IN A year, regulars of the Red Lion Inn at Tedburn St Mary raised £5,350 for Help for Heroes.

Landlady Di Rice explained: "Last January our dear friend and regular customer Terry Williams suggested fundraising for Help the Heroes. Terry had wanted to raise £5,000.

"Over the months he helped raise money by holding a fortnightly pub quiz, helping with auctions and draws and a barbecue."

They were near to achieving the target when Terry died on November 11. Donations at his funeral and a quiz in his memory raised £400.

More money was raised at the final event on New Year's Eve when anyone who did not wear a military outfit had to put £3 in the bucket.

After Terry died, Steve Parsons took over his fortnightly quiz nights. Landlord Les Rice said the donations they had received for the auction had been "unbelievable", businesses and individuals had given items for sale including holidays.

He and Di have been raising funds for various charities and village organisations since they took over the Red Lion almost 10 years ago.

Lynda Milne, group co-ordinator for Devon Help for Heroes group, said funds were being raised to create a "one-stop convalescent centre". Since H4H was set up in 2007, more than £38,631,000 has been raised, a figure that increases daily. To know more look at http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk">www.helpforheroes.org.uk .

S Read