THE tenth annual exhibition staged by West Devon Art Group recently has been hailed a great success, with a substantial sum being donated to charity.

Many visitors came to the event, held in Peter Tavy Village Hall, with walkers and cyclists calling in to see the exhibits, including one lady and her son who cycled all the way from Barnstaple!

The paintings were very much admired and gave a good insight into the variety of interests and talent within the group.

A spokesperson for the group said: 'Year on year visitors say that the pictures get better and better, much of which must be due to the help and support of our artist and tutor Michael Sanders who inspires us to try more and more methods to develop our skills.'

The flowers, beautifully arranged by group member Jenny Walker also came in for praise, with members acting as stewards making sure that they were kept looking good throughout the week.

Refreshments were served with some finding the home made cakes, scones and biscuits so good that they returned for seconds.

Following this very successful exhibition, the group was pleased to present a cheque for £250 each to Devon Air Ambulance and The Dartmoor Rescue Group.

The spokesperson said members had been supporting both charities for many years: 'The group raises the money mainly from the rafflle which, for some years, has been very successfully managed by a WDAG member Pat Hoar. As well as the support from members with donations of prizes, local businesses have donated many prizes over the years and the group wishes to thank them for their ongoing help.

'They are also grateful to members of the public visiting the exhibition who dip deep into their pockets to help with the fundraising.'

The cup presented to the member with the picture voted, 'My Favourite', at the exhibition was won by Barrie Brierley for his painting of boats on Mylor Creek. The cup was presented at the cheque hand over ceremony by chairman Anne Hibbert. Thanks were offered to Buzz Goscombe and Gloria Morrison-Sprague for the management of the financial exchanges and accounts.