SIDMOUTH cricket lovers have been digging into their pockets again to help raise money for charities.

Devon County Cricket Club has been using home games and other events at Sidmouth CC to raise money for three good causes. It's all part of the club's community engagement programme.

The Sid Valley Memory Café and Sidmouth Hospiscare, along with the David Shepherd Trust youth cricket charity, will all benefit from the fund-raising activities.

A series of events have been held, including a quiz night in the Fortfield pavilion and raffles at every county game held on the ground this summer.

Devon were back at Sidmouth last Sunday to play Suffolk in a national cup semi-final, their fourth game there in 2018.

A raffle stall was set up on the way into the ground. When ticket sales were totted up they totalled £145.

David Thorneley, the instigator of the charitable fund-raising campaign, said in the three years it has been running donations have grown and grown.

“In the first year the sum was £660, last year  it was £930 so this year an end-of-season target was set at £1,000,” said Mr Thorneley.

“With the £145 from Sunday it is so pleasing to report £1,075 has already been raised this year.

“With a three-day game against Dorset on the Fortfield next month (August 19-21) still to look forward to, I can foresee next year’s target being set at a dizzy height.”

The draw was made by Devon supporters Mike and Bex Coxhead.