IT was a celebratory occasion at the Waie Inn at Zeal Monachorum, when members of the Rotary Club of Crediton and their guests, 120 in total, sat down to a traditional Burns’ Night supper.

The event marked the 260th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns in Alloway and also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Crediton.

The skirl of the bagpipes could be heard through the village as Ray Couch piped the guests into the Waie Inn, where they were welcomed by Rotarian Andrew White.

The District Governor Graham Carey gave the Toast to Crediton Rotary Club and also presented a Past President award to David Bettoney.

The Nicht’s Ongauns started with the Selkirk Grace recited by Brenda Mitchell and her grandaughter, Maddie Mitchell-Manns.

Members sat down to a Scottish menu prepared by the Waie Inn.

The Bill O’Fare included Cullen Skink, Game Pate, Arbroath Toastie, Haggis with Chappit Tatties and Bashed Neeps with Whisky Cream Sauce, followed by Braised Steak in Claret with seasonal vegetables.

For dessert the choice included Cranachan, Tipsy Laird, cheesecake and many others.

The food concluded with Tassie of Coffee wi Tablet.

The haggis was piped into the dining room by Ray Couch and addressed by Michael Boyle.

The toast to Immortal Memory was proposed by Sir Neil Butterfield.

Richard Barnes gave the Toast to “The Lasses” with the reply by Pat Sneddon.

An Noo Yer Thanks was by Andrew White and the Final Toast by President Ann Macbeth.

Before the end of the evening everyone took part in singing "Auld Lang Syne".

The event was first held in 1999. Since it began it has raised many thousands of pounds for local charities.

Representatives from other Rotary clubs were among the guests.

Profits from the evening will go to local Rotary charities. The profits from a wonderful raffle went to Age Concern Crediton and Hospiscare.