BBC Children in Need gave football team the Tavi Specials a big boost with a grant of £4,000 to help maintain the club and support its growth of new children with learning disabilities and special needs playing football.

The group is close to getting charitable status and with five trustees which include Joint founder Cathy Sharp, Sue Hammond, Sally Perkins, Tom Reed and Allen Lewis, say the future looks strong.

Since the foundation of the Tavistock Specials in November 2008 more than 70 members have been involved. The club has ten coaches — two of whom who have special needs. There are two welfare officers to keep a close eye on the care of the members and strong support by parents who have joined the committee.

Tavistock Youth Cafe Plus where the seed for the fooball club was sown is very proud of this achievement and chairman of the Youth Cafe Cathy Sharp is thrilled to get the grant from BBC Children in Need with the help of 'serial fundraiser' Allen Lewis.

Cathy said: 'All the hard work has been so worthwhile and the people working behind the scenes have become such good friends! We are living proof of what volunteers can achieve by dedication and hard work. I hope we can inspire others in Devon to create a service to their community and help change lives for the better. Roll on 2013!'

For more information about the Tavi Specials see the websites http://www.tavispecials.co.uk ">www.tavispecials.co.uk ; and http://www.tycp.co.uk">www.tycp.co.uk