THE chairman of the National Trust Sidmouth Centre, Dr Bob Symes OBE last week presented a cheque for £4,000 to upgrade the Frogstone Steps. Dr Symes presented the cheque to John Channon, National Trust property manager, for the steps located west of Salc

THE chairman of the National Trust Sidmouth Centre, Dr Bob Symes OBE last week presented a cheque for £4,000 to upgrade the Frogstone Steps.Dr Symes presented the cheque to John Channon, National Trust property manager, for the steps located west of Salcombe Mouth. With more than 650 members, the Sidmouth Centre regularly raises funds to help the work of the National Trust, through a series of outings, theatre trips, talks and other social events.The work to the Frogstone Steps will involve removing a steep section of the coast path and incorporating a new zigzag path enabling a much easier climb for visitors to the area. The donation will also go towards improving access gates and a new section of stock fencing.Mr Channon said: "We are very grateful to the Sidmouth Centre for their very welcome donation. This donation will greatly help us to improve access to a very beautiful part of the South Devon Coast. The National Trust relies heavily on the generosity of our centres and associations to help the trust with its work." It is hoped work to the path will start in the near future, the first stage will involve cutting the new path line into the scrub and digging out being completed by people on a series of working holidays later in the year. The Sidmouth Centre promotes the work of the National Trust through a programme of talks, outings, trips and social events. It allows members to make friends, learn more about the trust and its properties and support its work.a