OKEHAMPTON’S Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs have proven their Christmas cheer with donations to the town’s Christmas lights.

The Inner Wheel has donated £300 to support the fund which provides the town with its wonderful Christmas lights display while the Rotary Club has donated £250 to the same fund.

Don Rooke, who has co-ordinated the lights for the past 35 years, collected cheques from both organisations.

He received a cheque from the Inner Wheel at their annual Christmas coffee morning. Visitors got to enjoy mince pies and clotted cream with coffee courtesy of the kitchen team led by Sheila Box and Muriel Hutchings.

Inner Wheel president Margaret Thomas said: ’Members have worked hard throughout the year to support local good causes but we couldn’t do it without the people of Okehampton, who are so generous with their support at events like this.’

2015 is the last year Don will co-ordinate the town’s lights display after so many years of tireless service. Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade has now found those who will step up to fill his shoes — a team of chamber members will help to co-ordinate the lights each year, including Mike Harding and Steve Bolt, who is also the chairman of the Okehampton Carnival committee.

A spokesman for Okehampton Rotary Club said: ‘The club would like to thank Donald for his efforts over the years which have given the town a wonderful display, the envy of many towns.

‘Congratulations also go to Mike Harding and the team who are stepping in to Donald’s shoes to keep this great tradition going for future years.’

ABOVE: Rotarian Allenton Fisher presents retirng Chrismas lights co-ordinatorDon Rooke with a cheque for £250.?