Salcombe Minibus held their annual cream tea and raffle, raising more than £1,500 for the charity.

The residents of Woodcot, Salcombe, kindly opened their gardens on Wednesday, August 8, to allow Salcombe Minibus to hold their annual event.

Once again, the event was blessed with good weather and the predicted showers did not arrive. Many visitors and locals were able to walk round the gardens, purchase plants, have a cream tea, enjoy the stunning views and possibly win a raffle prize.

Tim Mattocks, chairman of Salcombe Minibus, said: “This is the main annual fundraising event for the minibus. We are lucky to have huge support from many local businesses who donate substantial raffle prizes as well as groceries for the cream tea.

“The Woodcot residents make the venue available and a small army of volunteer minibus supporters donate their time and culinary expertise to put the event together.

“A good time was had by all and initial estimates suggest we have made just over £1,500 for our registered charity. This will go towards running costs for our vehicle, which is now 18-months-old, as well as adding to our savings for a new bus in about six years.

“It takes time to raise the funds for new vehicles because they cost about £40,000 after all the modifications necessary to suit passengers who are frail or wheelchair-bound.

“Our senior citizens use the minibus for many purposes including weekly shopping trips and day excursions to enjoy the scenery of the South Hams.

“For some passengers, the bus provides a lifeline and valuable opportunity to venture out and socialise with other people. None of this would be possible without donations from local organisations, businesses and individuals, and a lot of effort from about 20 regular volunteer drivers and couriers.

“Many more volunteers come forward to support fundraising events, such as this cream tea, and we shouldn’t forget that the charity trustees are also unpaid volunteers.”