WHEN morris dancers perform in public they are usually seen afterwards, passing round the hat.

Contrary to popular belief this is not "beer money"!

Every year morris sides all over the country raise thousands of pounds for worthy causes. Winkleigh Morris is no exception and on Friday, March 19, distributed the results of last season's efforts.

At a ceilidh held at Winkleigh Village Hall, the side presented two cheques, one for £575 to Rotarian Simon Dafforn of Torrington Rotary Club, representing the Helston Rotary charity ShelterBox and the other, also for £575, to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

A cheque for £200 was also presented to the Winkleigh Community Centre (where the morris side practices regularly each winter).

The proceeds of the evening of music and dance (£115) was then presented to ShelterBox.

Guests of Winkleigh Morris were Cogs and Wheels Ladies' Morris, who used the occasion to present their own cheque for £520 for ShelterBox to a delighted Simon Dafforn.

Mr Dafforn had kindly opened the proceedings with an interesting talk and short film about the work of ShelterBox.

Winkleigh Morris musicians and friends made up the lively band for the evening, with calling from Sue Hamer-Moss, Colin Andrews and Mike and Shelagh Palmer.