THE Okehampton Rotary president's dinner was extra special in 2014, as it gave the club the chance to celebrate its 50 year history.

At the event were members past and present gathered with presidents of other charitable organisations in Okehampton, the town mayor, Central Devon MP Mel Stride and the district governor of Rotary.

The club was founded in 1964 by Albert Fullerwood, who was the first Okehampton Rotary president, Charles Orsler, a former Okehampton town clerk, and Mel Bickford, a bank manager. In 1964, the club had 25 members during its maiden year. The club now has 40 members, and organises an array of events, including the May Fair and duck race in Simmons Park raising thousands of pounds to local causes.

One of the big events Okehampton Rotary is involved with in 2014 is the Autumn Challenge OK on Saturday, September 14. The challenge is not a race, but a test of initiative, stamina and navigation skills over 14 miles of open moorland, taking around six to seven hours to complete. The majority of sponsorship money will support the North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, with the remainder going to other projects approved by Okehampton Rotary.

To enter a team, visit the website http://www.autumnchallengeok.info">www.autumnchallengeok.info To find out more about Okehampton Rotary, visit the club's Facebook page, call 0845 576 0045 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]