THE town council in?Okehampton has allocated the last of its grant aid funding for this financial year.

The council decided to give £500 to the Okehampton and District Transport Group, conditionally offer £500 to Okehampton Argyle Football Club, and give the remainder of the grant aid balance to West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau.

The transport group applied for funding to help fund its ongoing work providing transport to hospital and medical appointments, and social visits, particularly for those who find themselves rurally isolated.

Mayor Maureen McDonald said: 'The group provides a really good service to those who need it, and it is something we should completely support with the maximum donation.'

Councillors also decided to offer Okehampton Argyle FC?the full £500 available.

The club applied for the grant aid to buy a grass cutting roller and a new storage shed.

The council has agreed to release the money to the club, provided it can give details on the new shed, and whether it has the necessary permissions before construction.

After deciding on these donations, the council had around £1,300 left in the grant aid fund. Rather than absorb the money into next year's finances, the council decided to donate the remainder to West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau.

Cllr Tony Leech said: 'I know that they have had a bad year of funding cuts, and any funding is needed crucially to help continue their important work in the area.'

Cllr McDonald added: 'The CAB is available not only to those out of work, but to everyone in the town, and it is a

very worthwhile organisation.'

At the beginning of the financial year, the council allocated £10,000 to be distributed to local organisations and charities, following the election of town mayor Cllr McDonald.

Throughout the year it has regularly reviewed grant aid applications, and made a conscientious effort to spread the money as fairly and wisely as possible.