ten organisations in Tavistock sang Uncle Tom Cobley on Widecombe Fair Day last week — and raised almost £600 for the BBC Children in Need appeal.

The successful event was part of the Devon Sings initiative run in partnership between BBC Radio Devon and the Rotary Clubs of Devon.

Tavistock Rotary Club president Wally Lake said that in this first year of the event the town had responded well.

Tavistock had been one of the major contributors to the event throughout Devon and he was particularly pleased the BBC had recognised this by Radio Devon broadcasting live from the Cornish Arms.

Other notable events had been Tavistock Primary School and the Tavy Tars performing in Bedford Square, the Pannier Market traders singing a cappella, and people of the town singing in St Eustachius Church. Pubs and clubs had also joined in the evening.

Wally hoped the event would now occur every year and that more local organisations would join in and benefit Children in Need.