THE continuing success of the regular whist drives at Meldon Village Hall over the past 12 months has ensured a financial boost for a number of local charities.

Ivor and Sue Pellow from Sourton Down have held 14 whist drives in Meldon in the last year, and their two pre-Christmas events were a huge success raising more than £2,000.

On December 6, the first Christmas whist drive was held and £1,040 was handed over by the ?Wag from Widecombe? Tony Beard to Lesley Gillard, treasurer of the local Multiple Sclerosis group. This is an important charity to Sue and Ivor as she suffers from MS herself.

The second Christmas Whist Drive was held on December 20, with Ivor presenting a cheque for £1,355.50 to Janet Rattenbury on behalf of Devon Air Ambulance.

On December 27, a Whist Drive was held in aid of the hall funds and £255.50 was presented to the treasurer on the same night.

Ivor and Sue wish to express their thanks to Shirley England for all her help over the past year and to all the helpers who stay behind to clear up the hall after each whist drive. Also thanks go to the local traders for their prize donations and everyone who gives draw prizes.

The next whist drive takes place at Meldon Village Hall on Wednesday, February 25.