THE West Devon branch of aid charity Operation Sunshine, is going from 'strength to strength', as demonstrated by a recent coffee morning which raised more than £1,000.

The event, held in the Parish Centre in Tavistock, raised £1,200 from sales of cakes and from various stalls and refreshments.

South West area organiser for the charity Ann Tregarthen said: 'We were hoping for a lot of money, but £1,200 in just two hours was brilliant.

'People had come from all over. It's amazing where they come from to support us.

'We have sent five 40ft containers full of humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania this year. We are continuing to go from strength to strength. The goods are still continuing to pour in.'

The next container to be sent out will be to Zambia on January 12.

The charity's efforts were recognised recently as it received an Achievement in Retirement Award.

Operation Sunshine was nominated by Maureen Wildash after seeing a piece in the Times asking for nominations for the McCarthy and Stone awards for Achievement in Retirement.

There was strong competition in each of the four categories, but Operation Sunshine was awarded the regional winner's certificate in the charity category.

Operation Sunshine will continue to hold fundraising events throughout next year, the first of which will be a fundraising lunchtime choral concert at St Eustachius' Church on January 26. The concert starts at noon and there will be a retiring collection for the charity.