THE annual Tesco Charity Month proved, yet again, very successful for the many local groups that collected at the Crediton Tesco store at Wellparks during the month of December.

More than 30 organisations, groups and charities were given the opportunity to meet with Tesco customers and take donations for their cause.

More than £9,000 was collected by the charities during the month, with some organisations still to contact the store with their collection totals.

The store’s manager, Simon Anbany, loved the fact that so many local groups get this chance, stating: “It further enhances the community work that we do in and around Crediton by getting in groups that wouldn’t normally get a chance to do this.

"I am always astounded at how generous our customers are, especially when it’s something that they know will impact directly in the immediate area.

"I’d like to thank, on behalf of everyone that benefitted from their generosity, the customers that stopped and gave a donation.”

The month saw school choirs, the Crediton Town Band and CODS provide Christmas songs and music while other groups such as the town’s two Rotary Clubs and the Lions Club collect on behalf of others.

The Crediton Playscheme, The Amber Foundation, Age Concern Crediton and Crediton Community Transport were all local organisations that attended and there were other national causes represented by local people who work on their behalf.

The store’s Community Champion, Andrew Drayton, was delighted with the total.

He said: “The estimated £9,000 is one of the best totals that we’ve had for this extended event.

"We try hard to get as many of the smaller groups and organisations in and the school choirs, Town Band and CODS provide a real Christmas feel to the store when they attend and our customers love this addition to their Christmas shop.

"I’d like to re-iterate Simon’s thanks to everyone who gave a donation, your generous nature is always appreciated by the groups that we have in.”

Alan Quick