THIS year is the 90th anniversary of Eglantyne Jebb's work to found an emergency relief fund for the starving children of Europe.

The International Save the Children Alliance has now become the world's largest independent organisation for children in more than 120 countries.

Eglantyne not only co-started this campaign, but went further by drafting a pioneering statement of five children's rights and responsibilities in 1923 and having it adopted by the League of Nations in 1924.

She also revolutionised public perceptions of charity and our collective responsibility towards children.

Her remarkable story was almost forgotten, however this is now told in a new book published to coincide with the 90th anniversary of her work and the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Her work lives on today to address children's basic needs, such as education and health around the world, but there is a great deal still to be done with millions still dying under the age of five around the globe.

The Crediton Branch of Save the Children is holding a ceilidh at Sandford Parish Hall on September 5 from 7.30pm to 11.30pm with music provided by Hips and Haws.

Tickets are £6 (adults) and £3 (children) and are on sale at Evans Newsagents, Crediton or by calling Paddy Dornom on 01363 84385. Refreshments and a bar will be available.

There will also be a special anniversary raffle with tickets now on sale. Prizes include a two night break at the Marriott Hotel in Edinburgh, golf for two at Downes Crediton Golf Club, a meal for two at The Fingle Bridge Inn and many others provided by local retailers including Treloars, Cox's the Butchers and Adams Home Hardware.

Anyone wishing to sell tickets can please contact Paddy on 01363 84385.

Although the group is running its Annual Craft Fair at Cheriton Bishop Village Hall on October 10 from 10am to 4pm, which will also celebrate the 90th anniversary, it decided to have a ceilidh as its main anniversary event in the hope that it will appeal to all the family.

How better to help less advantaged children by having support from families who are able to appreciate life.

PD