DURING their recent home fixture against Cullompton, Crediton Rugby Club allowed volunteers from Crediton Playscheme to fundraise via a half-time collection at their Blagdon ground.

The opportunity was provided in exchange for the volunteers taking gate entry payments for the First XV home game.

With the normal gate team unavailable the club, (who have previously been awarded Community Club of the Year by the RFU), decided that if a local charity could provide the one or two volunteers needed to take the entry fees, then a reciprocal arrangement for the organisation to fundraise amongst supporters could be provided.

With this being the first time this opportunity had arisen the club chose to focus on a local charitable group and settled on asking Crediton Playscheme if they would be available to take advantage.

Crediton Playscheme is a Crediton based organisation that provides days out for children with additional needs, all from the Crediton area.

During school holidays they take children to various theme parks, activities and themed days such as Forest Schools.

When funds allow they take children, for a weekend, to the Calvert Trust Outdoor Activity Centre.

The group is run entirely by volunteers so every penny that they raise is put towards their service provision.

Both groups were delighted with the success of the afternoon with Crediton Playscheme raising more than £200 from the generous crowd that attended the local derby fixture.

Crediton Playscheme Committee Member, Margaret Gibson, was delighted with the outcome saying, "we raised over £200 which is great and so so useful. Without such contributions the Playscheme for Children with Additional Needs would not exist. So thank you so much Crediton Rugby Club and we would be delighted to return anytime."

Crediton RFC Chair, Liz Goodman stated: "As a club that prides itself on its community ties we are so pleased that we could organise something that such a great local charity could take advantage of.

“Thank you to everyone that contributed to the amount raised, which we know will directly benefit local children and families."