OVER £2,000 was raised at the 26th annual Post Gala on Friday evening.

Over the years the event has raised over £120,000 for the Children’s Hospice South West, the Post’s chosen charity.

This year, the event supported two charities — the CHSW and also the Bude RNLI.

Held at Penstowe Manor, Kilkhampton, the event, as always, was well supported.

From the sale of tickets, raffle, and lucky programmes, over £2,000 was raised, which will be split between the two causes. There were also a number of generous donations, with one lady anonymously donating £100.

Compere for the evening, Graham Hodgson, started the ball rolling with a couple of songs and soon got everyone laughing with his jokes.

Headlining for the second year running were Edison Lighthouse, who are best known for their record Love Grows (Where my Rosemary Goes).

Despite a couple of technical hitches, the duo were ever the professionals, and continued with their set.

They were supported on the bill by the Bencoolen Wreckers, who have a strong connection with the Bude RNLI, with six members being station personnel, a deputy launch authority, a helmsman, two crewmen, a shore helper and a boathouse guide!

The Bencoolen Wreckers were joined by nearly all the artists that were guests on their debut CD, each performing a couple of songs.

These were Figurehead, an all-female acapella group who like to share their mutual love of shanties, traditional songs and songs of the sea; Ringers & Singers from St Merryn; and the Coastal Belles, a three-part harmony group who sing musical arrangements with a twist!

There was also an appearance by the Bideford Pies & Drams, a small group of pipers and drummers who play traditional and not so traditional tunes.

Suzanne Cleave, managing editor, said: “Thanks to everyone who supported this year’s event, which has raised a great amount for our two chosen charities. This includes Penstowe who provided a great venue, the outlets who sold tickets, the members of Post staff who helped out on the evening, everyone who bought tickets and raffle tickets, and who donated prizes.”