THE new chairman of Okehampton United Charity visited the town council last week to present the first cheque of his tenure.

Former chairman Derek Webber has stepped down from the role after five years of service, and has handed the baton to Allenton Fisher. Mr Webber will continue to work with the charity as a trustee.

Mr Fisher's first official duty was to present a cheque for £13,000 to Okehampton mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies to go toward the recent refurbishment work carried out on the Charter Hall.

Over the last few months, the hall has undergone a series of renovation, including work on the floor, walls, lighting and curtains. Joining the renovated work in the hall will be an Okehampton United Charity plaque to mark their donation.

Mr Fisher said: 'The plaques, which we plan to give to those we support with donations, will hopefully raise awareness of the charity's place in the town.

'While the big boys are good at getting grants and donations, there are a lot of small organisations out there who perhaps don't know where to turn to if they need a grant or funding to help them with what they are doing.

'We want to raise the profile of the charity and get those smaller organisations and individuals to get in touch with us.'

Okehampton United Charity and Okehampton Educational Foundation are charities based in the town that make grants to any group or individual residing in Okehampton and Okehampton Hamlets. If you would like to apply for a grant or find out more, contact clerk Karen Percival on 01837 55179.