KIND-hearted fundraisers handed over a total of more than �700 to the Ottery and District Help Scheme this week.

Members of the Ottery St Mary Bowling Club and scheme volunteers swelled the under-threat service’s coffers with a captain’s day and cream tea afternoon respectively.

Around 100 people, including Ottery’s mayor, turned out for a cream tea at Gosford Pines last Tuesday. Organisers Lesley Yoffey and Judy Davis this week handed over �435 to help scheme co-ordinator Pat Lane.

“We were thrilled,” said Lesley, a help scheme volunteer of more than a decade, “it was very scary because it poured with rain just before.”

“It all looked so pretty,” said Pat.

Last Friday, Pat paid a visit to Ottery bowling club to pick up the �335 proceeds from the group’s annual captain’s day on Sunday, August 8. Club captain Maggie Beighton handed over a cheque.

Fifty club members enjoyed a match before tucking into a hog roast feast.

“We read help scheme funding had stopped and felt we only had one choice this year,” said Maggie.

“These people are wonderful,” said a grateful Pat who thanked all those involved.