THE three community projects in Okehampton who are set to benefit from October's Waitrose Community Matters initiative have been announced.

Waitrose launched 'Community Matters' — a new initiative to help community projects in Okehampton benefit from £12,000 of funding in August. Each month Waitrose splits £1,000 between three local good causes proportionately, according to how the store's customers have voted.

The nominees for November are the Okehampton Christmas Lights Fund, Okehampton Scout Group (to buy soft furnishings for the new hut) and Okehampton Primary School PTFA (to buy playground equipment).

Last month Okehampton 'Stay and Play' received £295, Okehampton Citizens' Advice Bureau, £412, and Okehampton Rugby Football Club was awarded £293.

Staff from Okehampton Stay and Play, a joint venture between the Okehampton Health Visitors and the Children Centre, said they were delighted to receive the donation.

Line manger Jenny Coleman said: 'We really appreciate the community supporting this venture.

'Since we have moved to our new venue the session has been very busy.

'Now that we have received this money, we will be able to purchase more equipment to ensure the session is safe and enjoyable for all families with under 5s that attend.

'Thank you to every one who voted for us.'

Robert Barkwell, chairman of Okehampton Rugby Football Club, said: 'We are delighted as we are now £293 better off and we are very grateful to Waitrose as they also sponsor us at junior level.'

Barbara Osborne, bureau manager, said that West Devon's CAB, which is run from the Ockment Centre in Okehampton, was grateful for the donation of £412 from the Community Matters scheme.

'We are really grateful for the support as it is local people nominating,' said Barbara.

'The money from Waitrose will be spent on improving the base service here at the Ockment Centre. The money we were recently awarded from the Big Lottery Fund was specifically earmarked for increasing advice but in a different way than what we do at the moment.

'In order to do that we need to maintain the home base service, which is what the Community Matters donation will be used for.'