ABF given cheque for £1k

Some £1,000 has been raised for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) by a Honiton-based charity.

The Baton organisation presented the body with a cheque, which will go towards helping servicemen and women and their families, the Midweek Herald reports.

Michael Pentreath of the ABF's Devon committee said he was "delighted" to take the money from the organisation.

"The ABF's resources are under increasing pressure to provide grants to soldiers and their dependants as a result of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and forthcoming reductions in the [army's] size," he added.

Mr Pentreath observed that over £100,000 is being spent in the Devon area alone, while it is also working with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, Combat Stress and Help for Heroes.

The ABF – which has been in operation since 1945 – is seeking to raise £15 million a year by 2015 as it anticipates an increase in demand for its services.

Posted by Samantha Thompson