Otter Garden Centres came to the rescue after the Ottery St Mary Scout Group approached the company with a 'burning' question.

The Scouts have been learning about fire safety and fire-lighting skills in preparation for campfire cooking activities. But there was one problem - they cannot have an open fire on their site.

They approached the garden centre for help, and were delighted to be given a fire pit that can be used safely out of doors.

Sidmouth Herald: Cathy White, Marilyn and Malcolm White, Jacqui Taylor

The donation is part of a community programme launched to mark the business's 60th anniversary.

Across its seven branches, the company will be carrying out 60 good deeds for charities, schools and community organisations.

The Ottery team has already begun a 'good deed' at Ottery St Mary Hospital, where the team is clearing out two overgrown borders for replanting with suitable flowering plants. 

Managing director Jacqui Taylor, whose parents Malcolm and Marilyn White founded the company, said: “We really are keen to make a difference to our local communities throughout this very special year. As a family-run business we have always believed in building close relationships with the neighbourhoods we are part of, whether through sponsoring sports teams or offering free sunflower seeds.

“At the same time, we are working to ensure our teams flourish; we have many long-standing colleagues at our branches whose loyalty and hard work we really do appreciate, so they will be very much a part of our celebrations.”