THE Tavistock branch of the Royal Marines' Association have expressed a 'big thank you to the people of Tavistock, Yelverton and outlying districts for generous donations that totalled £833 at a recent collection.

The branch also expressed thanks to Mike and Heidi at the London Inn who hosted a barbecue and various competitions at the Horrabridge pub, which helped to contribute a futher £1,220.

The money will go to the Royal Marines' Charitable Trust Fund.

Roddie Meredith, a spokesman for the Tavistock branch of the RMA, said: 'It shows just how much people think of our service personnel in foreign fields.

42 Commando Royal Marines will be coming home to Bickleigh Barracks, Roborough after a six-month tour of Afghanistan and parade through Plymouth on Armistice Day, November 11.