Carols unite village

More than 200 West Hill residents flocked to a carol service organised by Otter Valley Rotary Club.

Carolers gathered at West Hill British Legion car park on Saturday, to sing nine festive favourites including Away in a Manger.

Ottery Silver Band performed, with players travelling from as far as Chudleigh to be there. They received a cheque for �250 from Rotary club president Ken Chun.

“Rotary supports lots of local organisations, and the band was among those to benefit,” said Rotarian and West Hill resident Brian Fletcher, who organised the event.

There were hot mince pies and mulled wine, and children got the chance to meet Father Christmas.

Brian organised the event, for the second year running, as a thank you to villagers for their support of the club. They had backed a Rotary collection in aid of ShelterBox to the tune of �700 and an Inner Wheel Club quiz night at the village hall raised �1,500 for the hospice in Exeter.

“People are so generous in West Hill, it’s a way of getting the village together to say thanks,” said Brian. “It’s a great family occasion, and numbers were up on last year, when about 150 people came along.”