SETTLE down now to enjoy another helping of the annual Branscombe Variety Nights, which have raised more than �100,000 for charity since 1977.

SETTLE down now to enjoy another helping of the annual Branscombe Variety Nights, which have raised more than �100,000 for charity since 1977.

The first night was yesterday (Thursday) when performers entertained to raise money for the Sidmouth-based Living With Cancer charity.

On Thursday, August 20, Seaton Hospital League of Friends and Devon Air Ambulance will each receive donations after that evening's show, which promises to be a lively event.

Edwin Purchase, one of the show's stalwarts, will perform as Ned and the Turmitt, Sue Gooding will do Pam Ayres type dialogues and former Beer and Branscombe vicar, the Reverend Nigel Freathy, will join forces with his wife Annette to add a touch of comedy and sing to the audience.

The third variety night on August 27, will have Sidmouth's own steel band, Steel Force, playing, and radio presenter Tony Beard, the Wag from Widecombe, will end the show. The charity to benefit has yet to be decided.

Edwin said: "We will end with a Christmas one on December 10 in aid of a Branscombe charity."

The variety nights were first started to raise money to fund a new village hall.

Edwin said: "When the hall was on a firm financial footing we started raising money for local charities and we have held variety nights every August and Christmas since 1977.