GOOD causes have benefitted to the tune of almost £1,000 following donations from Newton Abbot Carnival Committee.

Kingscare, Newton Abbot Street Pastors and Newton Abbot Community Transport Association were presented with cheques by outgoing committee members Carol Bunday, Mike Hocking and Mike Ryan at a handover ceremony held at Newton’s Place.

Former chair Mr Ryan said: ‘We’ve been running the carnival for the past 15 years and have always given to local rather than national charities, probably about £15,000 or more.

‘We’ve also always had a community fete in Courtenay Park on carnival day at which local charities have raised thousands more so we’re very pleased with the help we’ve been able to offer.

Mike Hocking, also a trustee of Newton Abbot Community Transport Association, said: ‘Awards like this mean a lot.

‘All organisations are struggling and councils such as Teignbridge and Devon are cutting their support so we thank the committee very much.’

Street Pastor Coordinator Dixie Kendall-Dunne, whose organisation cares for the vulnerable and homeless, said: ‘We always need something so are very grateful for any donations.’

Kingscare runs a dementia cafe in The Avenue Church as part of its community support programme. Manager Maggie Bonnell said: ‘Newton Abbot Memory Cafe is extremely important and we have other plans for more work in the town so hopefully, if we can find the money, soon there will be an even bigger Kingscare base here.’

Colin Parker, carnival co-founder and treasurer, expressed hope that new people would join the committee.

‘Newton Abbot Carnival, which is held the second week of July, is made up of a series of events of various descriptions,’ he said.

‘These range from quiz night, fun run, duck race, bingo and others.

‘It may be that the good people of Newton Abbot could aid with one or more of the existing events or suggest and help with a new experience.

‘We have always tried to put on interesting and regular entertainment but with the stepping down of some committee members we need some assistance.’

For details visit the carnival’s Facebook page.