A SINGING Sidmouth pensioner who starred in a national television advert has used the opportunity to boost his home-town fundraising exploits for Help for Heroes.

Fresh from featuring as a Somerset farmer in a 30-second spot for Exmoor National Park, Wally Cotgrave enlisted the promo’s director for his own personal mission.

Wally, 73, of Winslade Road, has raised more than �17,000 for the cause to date.

A three-minute film, titled Sidmouth Busker, Help for Heroes, has been posted on YouTube.

Wally said: “I thought if I could advertise the fund it might encourage other people. If someone as ordinary as me is able to raise funds, and get enormous pleasure out of it, I wanted others to think they can do it as well.”

Watch Wally’s video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmp-0j6kVy0.