THE Okehampton Chamber of Trade and 1st Okehampton Scout Group are the latest organisations to benefit from Okehampton Town Council's grant aid scheme.

At their latest policy and resources committee meeting on Monday October 29, the council allocated £500 to the Chamber of Trade and £366 to the 1st Scout Group.

The 1st Okehampton Scout Group applied for a donation towards the purchase of 'The Little Family', a set of three mannequins used for first aid and resuscitation training. The three dummies are different sizes, to teach youngsters different techniques fur use on adults and children. The council decided to donate the full £366 necessary to purchase the complete set for the group.

The council also agreed to give £500 to the chamber of trade to help to set up a pilot scheme for a new town and events manager. The organisation has a current membership of over 60 members and meets once a month to discuss issues that affect local businesses, and work to resolve those issues. They also are involved with the town's Christmas lights and hanging baskets.

At the beginning of this financial year, the council allocated £12,000 to be distributed to organisations and charities benefitting the community. Councillors regularly review grant applications, and make a conscientious effort to spread the money as fairly and wisely as possible. Following these donations, the council is now left with £5,529 in the grant aid pot.

At the meeting, councillors also decided to authorise the release of £1,500 for the Okehampton Tourist Information Centre, and £1,000 from the car parks budget and the funfair to support Okehampton Carnival. This money was budgeted for at the beginning of the financial year.