THE Okehampton-based Inspiration group has received a donation of £1,000 from the Co-operative's Community Fund.

It will allow the group to produce publicity material and continue to provide a vital service to the local community.

With the support of police, magistrates, doctors and volunteers from the community, Inspiration was formed by a group of like-minded individuals who identified a need to support those with addiction issues in Okehampton.

The group provide weekly meetings for people with a range of addiction problems, and offers professional counselling as well as providing links to other services and information.

Mike Davies, co-founder of Inspiration, said: 'a small grant from Okehampton United Charities helped us to start up and we have already seen some amazing success stories.

'We run a 12-step programme for people with a whole range of addictions, who attend our weekly meetings, and we're in the process of trying to introduce on-going support for members.

'We're extremely grateful for this grant from the Community Fund, which is a vital contribution to our running costs, and the posters we have had printed as a result will no doubt play a key part in raising awareness of the group around the town.'

The Community Fund offers grants of between £100 and £2,000 to community projects across the country. Awards are allocated by local Co-operative members based on a set of values and principles, such as social responsibility and caring for others.

For further information on the Living Free addiction support group run by Inspiration, call Laura Alm on Freephone 0845 034 6404.