A MAGNIFICENT £580 was raised for the charity Help for Heroes at the spring concert of Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band on May 3.

The audience enjoyed performances from the band and training band, as well as special guests Val Berry and the Okehampton College Senior Choir.

Richard and Carrye Day were at the concert to give a talk on the work of Help for Heroes.

Band chairman Margaret Allin presented gifts to Des Law, who has decided to step down as the band's musical director after ten years in the role.

During his tenure Mr Law has helped to ensure that the band continues and can support community events like the Okehampton Carnival, the mayor's parade and Remembrance Sunday. He will continue to play an active part in the band as music librarian and playing in the bass section.

The band expressed thanks to Des Law and his wife Jean for their enthusiasm and commitment shown to the band over the past ten years, to mayor Maureen McDonald for attending the event and her support of the band, to Richard and Carrye Day, and to all who attended the concert and helped make the night such a success.