MARKET Traders in Tavistock helped disadvantaged children recently by presenting a cheque for £200 to West Devon children's charity CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids).

For each market trader who subscribes to the National Market Traders Federation, the federation donates a certain amount of money to them and the Tavistock Market Traders have chosen to donate this amount to local charities and good causes.

The donation to CHICKS is the first to be given in what is hoped to be a regular occurrence.

CHICKS provides life enhancing respite breaks to as many disadvantaged children as possible.

The children CHICKS support come from a variety of backgrounds — those living in poverty, children that are being neglected or abused either mentally, physically or sexually, children who have lost parents or even children who are full time young carers.

Bob Vella, chairman of the Tavistock Market Traders Committee, said: 'The choice to make charitable donations was a united one among the traders committee and we are thrilled that our first donation is to such a worthy cause as CHICKS.

'We would hope that, in the future, through regular events to raise funds and donations, we are able to help and support other local good causes and charities.'