WINKLEIGH Pre school recently held an evening dance to raise funds for the school and a charity close to its heart.

Partygoers danced all night long to the superb music provided by local five-piece function band The Feelgood Factor.

The event raised a grand total of £400 for the school and £180 for CLIC Sargent, a charity which cares for children and young people with cancer and their families, at home and in the community.

The dance was especially important to residents, who lost two children from the community to cancer and leukaemia this year. Matthew Emery, was four years old and Sebby Salmon, six.

The boys, who attended Winkleigh Pre-School and Winkleigh Primary School, were well liked and a big part of the community.

The pre school expressed thanks to the following local businesses, who contributed with donations and support:

The Duke of York, Fishmonger James Betteridge, Eggesford Garden Centre, Surf Bay Leisure, Ambrosia Creamery, Moon Farm, AJ Motors, Changes Hair salon, the Waie Inn, Cloudberry Farm, the King's Arms, the Seven Stars, West Ridge Vets, Rangemoor, Winkleigh Cider Company, Livid Studios and the drama department of Okehampton College.

Winkleigh Pre-School presented a cheque to CLIC Sargent last month and expressed their thanks to the charity.

Matthew's mother, Tracey Emery, said: 'CLIC have supported us during this time and continue to do so today.

'Ten children a day are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia and ten families are having their lives turned upside down.

'Without the support of CLIC, life would be even more unbearable.'