IN 1985 Rotary International pledged to eliminate polio worldwide when there were some 1,000 cases diagnosed every day.

Due to the efforts of Rotary Clubs, governments and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation there have been only 13 cases so far this year - in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

We are so close to eliminating it although “polio is only a flight away”.

The Rotary Club of Crediton supported this by selling purple crocuses in the High Street this week.

Every £1 given enables the immunisation of three children.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation adds £2 to each £1 given.

The colour purple is chosen as when children are immunised their little finger is dipped in a durable purple dye; “purple for polio”.

My thanks to all who collected and who contributed the magnificent sum of £180.

David Bettoney

Joint President

Crediton Rotary Club