THE Exmouth Shanty Men gave a performance of their singing at Bridestowe village hall in aid of church funds.

Twelve members of the group arrived on Saturday March 19, complete with a collection of props and special lighting to give the Hall and stage a nautical feel and costumes to echo the Nelson period.

Tickets had sold out ten days before the event and the hall was filled to capacity by an audience, some of whom had travelled from as far afield as Bristol, Camborne, Bridport and Crediton.

The performance was professional and entertaining, with songs sometimes rumbustious and sometimes quiet and reflective, interspersed with introductions laced with humour and ad-libs.

The rapport between 'the crew' and the audience was full of fun. One member of the audience who had travelled from Bristol for the concert was celebrating his 84th birthday and much to his delight was invited on to the stage for a rendering of 'Happy Birthday'.

Refreshments in the form of cider and the popular Foxcombe pasties were enjoyed during the interval and the raffle in aid of the RNLI made £168, which was presented to Charles Watton the local representative of the charity at the end of the evening.

The prizes included donations from Dingles Steam Museum, Bearslake Inn Sourton , the Fox and Hounds Bridestowe and the White Hart, Bridestowe.