THERE was fun for all, as well as money for charity, when staff at Dairy Crest's Davidstow creamery held the site's first charity open day.

Willing volunteers raised over £2,500 for the company's charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Members of the public, along with family and friends of Dairy Crest employees, could see for themselves how the company's award-winning cheddars, Cathedral City and Davidstow were made as well as being able to win numerous, fabulous raffle prizes, topped by a flight in a hot air balloon.

Some old employees also came along and were shocked at how much things had changed over the years.

Former Production Manager, Brian Mitchell, said:?"In 1954 I started work at a newly established, very small and very primitive cheese factory at Davidstow. Over the years we witnessed a steady stream of development in production methods with each stage taking the factory to a new level of automation and computerisation until the time I left in 1992.

"By then we were part of the Dairy Crest Group and we were the largest cheddar factory in Europe — producing about 20,000 tons of top quality cheese a year.

"However, large and successful though that installation was, the time came when the capacity was inadequate and a totally new factory was built with an annual throughput of more than double its predecessor.

"On Saturday I was one of many taking advantage of the open day when the public were invited to view the new plant. Apart from the truly impressive installation which we were shown, it was a delight to again meet many of the people with whom I have been privileged to work over the years.

He added:?"Thank you to the present manager, to everyone involved in organising the event, and to those who guided us around; your efforts and kindness were truly appreciated."

Davidstow is Dairy Crest's largest cheesemaking creamery and has been producing cheese since 1950. The site currently produces 55,000 tonnes of cheese, made with milk supplied by 500 local farms and employs over 100 people.

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care.

For more information about Macmillan Cancer Support, visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk">www.macmillan.org.uk or freephone 0800 500 800 for an information pack.