A LOW key raffle held at an event to thank the work of charity volunteers and supporter has raised almost £2,000. 

Dawlish Community Transport held a Teddy Bears’ Picnic with guest of honour, the organisation’s mascot Travelling Ted. 

After a difficult year in which an arson attack destroyed several of the charity’s vehicles, office manager Sally Preston wanted to thank the volunteers who have worked to support the organisation. 

Sally explained: ‘It’s been a tough year since the arson attack and the charity wanted to acknowledge that, by giving something back to the community as a small token of our sincere thanks for all the support we’ve had, over the last year in particular and what better way than to share it with some of our passengers.’

Travelling Ted has become an iconic figure for the charity which provides transport and trips to those in need in Dawlish and surrounding area. 

He has his own travel passport, rucksack, camera and specially knitted outfits and is a regular on the minibus day trips, welcoming guests on board. 

Dawlish Celebrates Carnival committee offered the charity the marquee which was on the Lawn to use for an afternoon. 

Sally said she jumped at the chance of a celebration to which Ted and his fellow teddies were invited. 

Sally said: ‘We couldn’t have achieved this without the wonderful, amazing and fantastic people who gave their time to make this happen for our passengers and volunteers. 

‘We laughed, sang and celebrated and drew our raffle.

‘We hadn’t publicly advertised it so we had no expectations and were overwhelmed by the response.  We can’t thank everyone enough who offered the raffle prizes and bought tickets.

‘We raised just over £1,800.’

The money will be used towards replacing one of the vehicles lost in the arson. 

More than 80 people enjoyed the afternoon, most travelling in the charity’s vehicles. 

Guests at the event enjoyed music from Maddy and the Chaps and the Back Beach Boyz and pre-prepared picnic boxes while singing along to the tunes.