LESSONS at a West Devon primary school should be even more successful in future, thanks to a donation by a local children's charity. The Mary Budding Trust, which is based in West Devon, raises money and gives grants to help children with special needs, and their families. The trust has just presented Okehampton Primary School with a set of special books. Chairman of the trust, former Tavistock Primary School headteacher Tony Waites, said: 'Okehampton's special educational needs co- ordinator, Catherine Wagstaff, approached us in order to see if we could buy these "Toe by Toe" books, which have helped make breakthroughs in literacy for dyslexic children. 'We were able to buy a number of these books, so the work of her department can be extended. 'It was very nice to visit the school and see what the children were doing.' Mr Waites said the trust, which was formed about six years ago, continues to go from strength to strength. 'We are now getting a name for ourselves. We are getting lots of applications from schools, which is wonderful, but we would like to hear more from parents and families. 'In spite of sending letters to doctors, Social Services etc we get very few and I am sure there are families who need a little help, whether it's installing a ramp, or helping purchase materials or equipment. 'We would also like to hear from anyone who would like to donate money to a good cause — several shops now have our collecting boxes, which is very kind of them, but we can always do with more funds!' Brian Cunningham, headteacher at Okehampton Primary School, said the new books were 'a fantastic resource' and the school was grateful to the trust for its help. 'The children are clearly benefiting from them greatly. 'They are enthusiastic to use them and it's clear they are making really good progress with them, that's without a doubt — we are delighted.' Any family in the West Devon area who would like to learn more about how the Mary Budding Trust may be able to help, or anyone who would like to donate funds to the charity, should call trust secretary Ann McDonald on 01822 614580.
