A BUMPER afternoon of entertainment was in store for everyone at North Tawton Rugby Club last Saturday, with a car show and fun day organised to support a member of the ladies' rugby team.

Luci Murray, Alex Turner and a team of fundraisers organised the car show and afternoon of entertainment at the club to support the Mardon Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre in Exeter and show their support for club member Victoria Smedley.

Victoria Smedley and Alex Turner set up the club's ladies team ten years ago. In the time since, Victoria has been a player, fixtures secretary, and helped to keep the team together as a healthy social activity for the ladies of North Tawton.

On November 18, 2012, she was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after getting tingling sensations in her arms and legs. In the space of a few days, she lost all feeling in the lower half of her body and is now paralysed from the waist down.

Having now been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Victoria has started a long road to rehabilitation, working on trying to get sensations back and potentially some movement.

The event raised just over £6,000, to go towards a £15,000 specialised harness to support the weight of a person and enable them to move their legs and mimic walking.

Event organiser Luci Murray said: 'The day was really good, we can't believe how well it went. People were so generous and really wanted to help, which was great. We are looking to do it again next year, because everyone was so generous and it was such a success.'

Among the cars on display at the rugby club were vintage vehicles, Lamborghinis and more. There was also a prize draw, barbecue, bar, disco, live music, camping and a charity auction run by local auctioneer Mr Pyle.