Okehampton Simmons Bowling Club decided to break with tradition and present three charities — rather than the usual one — at a presentation at their annual AGM.

Representatives from Hospiscare, FORCE and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust were each presented with £500, as trustees, as proceeds from the annual pub league run by the club in the summers had built up during the covid pandemic.

Also at the bowling club’s AGM last November, president Brian Vernon stepped down after steering the club for the last 14 years and was thanked for everything has done for the club.

Treasurer Wendy Raymond said: ‘The club appreciates all that Brian has done at the club and we hope he continues enjoying his bowling.

‘The bowling club runs a pub league through the summer and all monies raised goes toward local charities. This year it was decided as donations had not been made since the start of covid we would present three charities with a donation of £500 each, these charities were Hospiscare, FORCE and Devon Air Ambulance all of whom support local residents when needed.’

The bowling club’s season starts in April and next year will see the club, which has a green in Simmons Park, celebrate its centenary.