The store held its annual ‘Faftas’ cemerony this week to present a cheque to the charity.

Sidmouth Herald: Presentation of this years cheque to The Stroke Association during the Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6037. Picture: Terry IfePresentation of this years cheque to The Stroke Association during the Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6037. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Fields of Sidmouth praised its star employees after a ‘fantastic’ year of fundraising which bagged £4,500 for the Stroke Association.

The independent store revealed the total during its annual, breakfast-time ‘Faftas’ ceremony on Tuesday.

The awards celebrate the store’s achievements over the past 12 months, before it selects a new charity of the year.

Kirsten Rushby, from the Stroke Association, said: “I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. If it wasn’t for teams of people like this across the country that get together in this current climate, services would be cut back. We really appreciate your hard work and the next charity will be really grateful for the hard work that you do.

Sidmouth Herald: Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6034. Picture: Terry IfeFields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6034. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“It goes to show what groups people can do when they come together - the difference they can make.”

She explained the money will assist in the charity’s three key areas of research, prevention care and support services.

Fields staff member Rebecca Mawson contributed £830 to the total through a charity cycle and the sale of Christmas cards.

Following the presentation, staff voted to support Devon Young Carers this year.

Sidmouth Herald: Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6032. Picture: Terry IfeFields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6032. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Directors Chris Gould and Rebecca Murphy looked back on the past 12 months, which included refurbishment and refits of the cosmetics and menswear departments and the installation of new tills and card machines.

They announced work had commenced to refit the ladieswear section and carry out work on the signage and staircases over the coming months.

The event concluded with the team of the year award, which was presented to the cosmetics and toiletteries department.

Sidmouth Herald: Entertainment at Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6031. Picture: Terry IfeEntertainment at Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6031. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6028. Picture: Terry IfeFields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6028. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Entertainment at Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6026. Picture: Terry IfeEntertainment at Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6026. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Entertainment at Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6025. Picture: Terry IfeEntertainment at Fields FAFTAs. Ref shs 04-17TI 6025. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)