TWO local charities benefited from Crediton Town Band’s Carols in the Square concert shortly before Christmas at Crediton when two cheques were given away at the start of a rehearsal this month.

Both Age Concern Crediton and Mid Devon Mobility received £318 each, the cheques being handed over by Band chairman, Jenna Hansford.

Receiving for Mid Devon Mobility, Transport Co-ordinator for the Crediton area, Sarah Holmes, said the money would stay in the Crediton area. It is now settling in at its new premises, Church View on Union Road.

At the beginning of this year the charity received a new minibus, courtesy of the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, which meant the service would be improved, covering the places further from Crediton such as Zeal Monachorum, Chawleigh, Chulmleigh, Spreyton plus Sandford, Shobrooke and others.

Receiving the cheque for Age Concern Crediton, its treasurer and Trustee John Potter explained that it was a local charity providing help and care for the elderly in Crediton and villages. It was not related to Age Concern UK which meant all the money would be spent in the local community.

He said there was the Day Centre on Deep Lane where guests can be collected from their homes, have a meal, be entertained and then taken home again. There is also home support.

“We can provide company and stimulation for the older people. A few hours where they can do their own thing.

“We are always looking for volunteers to help either in the Day Centre or in our charity shop on the High Street in Crediton,” said Mr Potter.

He said there was room for more guests at Deep Lane. To find out more about the service or volunteering, contact Bev at the Centre.

Mr Potter added that there were taster sessions when people could go along to see if this would suit them.

For Mid Devon Mobility Sarah said it was open four days a week, Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4.30pm when anyone can call in if they have a transport problem.

“We can help people who are isolated and we can arrange transport for them to hospital or other appointments,” she said.