AFTER five years of dedicated service, the chairman of Okehampton United Charity and Okehampton Educational Foundation Derek Webber has stepped down from the post.

Among Mr Webber's proudest achievement during his time as chair was the massive increase in the number of students in Okehampton receiving grants from the educational foundation to support their further education costs.

Since 2007, the number of students being helped has more than doubled, with 105 students benefitting from grants in 2012.

Allenton Fisher, who has taken on the post of chairman, said: 'I am honoured to be part of a charity that is focused on Okehampton and the hamlets.

'During my time as chairman I will strive to ensure the charity promotes itself within the community and be pro-active in our area so that smaller groups and societies can benefit from its resources.'

Okehampton United Charity and Okehampton Educational Foundation are charities based in the town that make grants to any group or individual residing in Okehampton and Okehampton Hamlets. If you would like to apply for a grant or find out more visit http://www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk">www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk or contact clerk Karen Percival on 01837 55179.