A SOUP centric event held in Ashburton saw four local charities receive a share of more than £1,000 of funds.

‘Twas Saturday, November 19, when St Lawrence’s Chapel in Ashburton was bustling with activity as the premises hosted the second ‘Ashburton SOUP’ event.

A community fundrasig initiative, Ashburton SOUP sees local people come together to consume a nutrious bowl of soup, all the while listening to pitches from people for their project ideas, which will benefit the community, before voting for their favourite pitch.

Growing Spaces Volunteer Chris Kehaya, who was part of the SOUP organising group, said: ‘The concept of SOUP is splendid, as it brings folk and diverse clubs and organisations from the local community together, with the aim of providing money and support for very worthwhile causes.’

Four local charitable groups made bids for the £1230 of funds available, raised through donations from the Ashburton Portreeve, Chambre of Trade and Councillor John Nutley, via Teignbridge District Council’s Councillor Community Fund, as well as by people making donations on the night.

The audience listened to pitches from St Lawrence Chapel, Moorland Community Care, Ashburton Brownies and KnitKnuts; the four charitirs were awarded as follows £190, £385, £370 and £280.

Methodist Church Minister Kevin Hooke, who hosted the event, said: ‘It was our pleasure to host the recent Soup event in Ashburton - it was lovely to hear how the money from last year’s event had been used, and the four pitches this time were very strong, ranging from the upkeep of a community building to the work of a therapy dog.’

Sarah Kersey, community development worker at Teignbridge CVS, said: ‘It is always a pleasure to be part of a SOUP. You get to listen to inspiring people, who through giving their time are making a real difference to people’s lives. And with the money they raised from the SOUP they will be able to touch more people’s lives.’