Royal Marine and well known Tavistock personality Brigadier Simon Hill, accepted a substantial donation to the Tot Fund on behalf of the fund's administrators the Royal Navy and Royal Marines' Charity.

The donation was made by Pusser's Rum, the only rum ever served in the Royal Navy until July 31, 1970.

When accepting the cheque (pictured below)?from Gary Rogalski, president and chief executive of Pusser's Rum, retired Brigadier Hill reflected on the long history of the 'rum tot' and recalled as a young Royal Marine officer serving the final 'Up Spirits' on HMS Bulwark on July 31, 1970. The date has become known as Black Tot Day and is commemorated by serving and retired sea dogs around the world who mourn the passing of the daily rum tot.

As compensation for the loss of the rum issue, the Admiralty created the 'Tot Fund' with a substantial donation on which the interest earned is used to provide on-shore amenities for Royal Navy personnel.

Prior to this date the rum had never been available to the public. But in 1978 the Admiralty's specification for the rum was made commercially available, along with the use of the name Pusser's Rum and the white ensign on the bottle label.

In appreciation, Pusser's makes an annual donation to the Tot Fund based on its global sales.

Malcolm Pollock, from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), said: 'The RNRMC is the naval service's principal charity supporting serving and former members of the naval service and their families.

'It is what we do and we do so with great passion. That this year's donation by Pusser's is such a large amount will enable the charity to make a significant difference to the amenities, and improving the quality of the lives of our sailors and Royal Marines.

'Pusser's is more than a legendary rum, it stands out as the single malt of all rums. As a local Tavistock man I am delighted that Crebers is among the select number of local suppliers of Pusser's Rum.'