WELSH operatic group the Tre-Gib Talents swapped Washington DC's White House for Bratton Clovelly's Parish Hall recently, as they helped raise £1,200 for the hall's improvements.

More than 300 spectators turned out to watch the globe-trotting band, who had performed in front of President Barack Obama on a recent US tour, supported by compatriot tenor John Davies.

Organiser Brenda Harris pulled off the coup after discussions with the group's musical director, and was delighted at the evening's success.

'It was a spectacular night, the Talents gave us vocal, choral and instrumental items and everyone was thoroughly entertained,' she said. 'They're no two-penny act, and people came from as far afield as Taunton, Barnstaple, and East Cornwall for the show.'

Incredibly, the event was Brenda Harris's 23rd consecutive show at the parish hall, dating back to 1977, and after presenting hall chairman Graham England with the impressive cheque, she vowed to put on an equally impressive show next year.

'I can't release any details at the moment, but I'm definitely going to be organising my 24th event, and I hope it will be as successful as this one,' she said.