DARK skies didn t dampen fundraising spirits in Ottery last week as two events in the town raised around �300 for the British Heart Foundation.

DARK skies didn't dampen fundraising spirits in Ottery last week as two events in the town raised around �300 for the British Heart Foundation.

More than �100 was handed over last Wednesday as double UK champion drum corps The Poynton Commodores gave residents and visitors an exclusive sneak peak of their colourful, musical exploits at the town's Football Club.

The 35-strong Commodores, ranked seventh in Europe last year, featured big drum, brass and percussion sections as well as dancers. Members holidayed in the town before setting off on a quest for more national glory.

"They were phenomenal", said organiser Michelle Haywood, of the Ottery Healthy Living Group, adding: "It was a bit wet but the people that turned out truly enjoyed themselves. The band members loved it and want to come back next year."

Ottery Healthy Living Group members also had scores of drivers waxing lyrical about their skills with a sponge during a charity car wash at Otter Nurseries on Sunday which raised �195.

"We had some real fun with the people that came in to support us", said Michelle, who thanked Otter Nurseries' Matt Wintle for his organisation skills.