A LOCAL charity has received a cheque for £1,301, thanks to enthusiasts who attend monthly quizzes at the New Inn, Coleford.

Crediton and District Playscheme Association for Children with Special Needs representatives Rowan Crossman and his mother, Jackie, received the cheque from landlord, George Cowie.

George organises the very popular quizzes every month and they are well-attended.

A volunteer quizmaster organises the quiz questions each time and at the last session, when the cheque was presented, there was a British theme to the questions.

Gill Carey, secretary, Crediton Special Needs Playscheme, said: “We are enormously grateful to George at The New Inn for choosing to support our charity in 2014/15.

“The donation will contribute towards us delivering our full Summer Programme of day trips.

“We are planning to take our group of children and volunteers to The Big Sheep, Decoy Park, Escot Park, The World of Country Life, boating at Roadford Lake and our grand finale will be Woodlands.

“We run school holiday activities for local disabled children (aged from five to 18) who may not be able to access mainstream holiday clubs.

“We like to offer a mix of trips to venues such as Escot, The Milky Way and Woodlands as well as visits to local playparks, swimming, watersports and adventure activities.

“The Playscheme is a chance for children to gain independence and confidence while providing much-needed respite for their families.

“Referrals are from health and education professionals for a range of physical and cognitive disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Downs syndrome and global delay.

“We draw on a bank of about 50 volunteers who support the children on a one-to-one basis gaining useful experience which, in many cases, leads to them working in caring professions.”

Some parents offered feedback and Kate said: “Crediton Playscheme has been brilliant for my son. It allows him days out with the support of a carer giving him access to activities that he would be unable to do independently.”

Vicky said: “The Playscheme provides great opportunities for our son to have fun days out without us and it gives our family the chance to do things we couldn’t otherwise do.”

For more information about volunteering with Crediton Playscheme or about a referral for a child/young person, please call 07447 447257 or email: [email protected] .

The New Inn, a beautiful thatched pub and restaurant, offering fresh West Country food, hosts regular themed evenings and Monthly Hog Roasts, and is listed in the AA best Pub Guides.

It is noted for its ensuite accomodation being an AA 4 * "Pick of the Pubs", and a Booking.com "Partner" with an "Excellence" rating of 9.3 out of 10.0.