PHILIP Hutchens, Events Executive, Army Benevolent Fund, based at Wyvern Barracks, organised a collection at Crediton Morrisons Store with Averil Hutchens on Friday, March 28 and on Saturday, March 29, and were joined by the Senior Staff Instructor and Cadets of the newly rebadged Crediton Army Cadet Force (ACF).

The total raised for the charity over the four days was a fantastic £491.32.

Philip offered grateful thanks to Hazel Evely, the store's Community Champion, and customers for supporting the charity and all who collected for the charity.

Mr Hutchens said: “Last year, thanks to our volunteers and supporters, in the Southwest Region we were able to help 367 members of the Army family as well as to aid many charities that offer specialist support and care on our behalf.

“In Devon alone we helped in the region of 85 veterans and serving soldiers.

“The overall scale, breadth and range of our support is vast. We help very young serving families cope with a sudden bereavement or traumatic loss. We provide wide-ranging support to wounded soldiers, many of whom will need increasing financial assistance for decades to come.

“We provide help with housing, education, and training for employment for soldiers and veterans of all ages. We are there for older veterans and their widows or widowers when they find themselves lonely or isolated.

“Store collections and donations make it possible for us to support those in need for the long term – doing our bit for those who have done theirs.”

He added: “We are always looking for more volunteers to help support us with fundraising activities and events. You’ll gain new skills, meet interesting people and, most importantly, you’ll be helping us raise vital funds to support soldiers, veterans and their families.”

For more information visit: https://armybenevolentfund.org/about-us/ or telephone 01392 342787 or email: [email protected] .