Charity representatives in East Devon have the chance to take part in a unique bidding process for funds in front of a panel of ‘dragons’ in Honiton next month.

The event, at The Beehive community centre on Wednesday, October 26, gives groups the chance to pitch their ideas for funding.

Submissions need to be made by Sunday, October 2.

Charities that are invited to the event will have to answer questions from the panel, demonstrating how their projects will benefit people in the area.

The event is being organised by Honiton Together, a collaborative community development programme run by a partnership consisting of East Devon District Council, Devon County Council, East Devon Volunteer Support Agency and Honiton Town Council.

The judging panel will consist of Devon county councillor Sara Randall Johnson, Honiton town councillor Ann Mountjoy and EDDC’s Jamie Buckley.

Last year, eight groups received funding at the event, including Honiton Youth Club, Axe Valley Visiting Scheme, and Health and Local Food for Families (HALFF).

Devon county councillors Paul Diviani and Sara Randall Johnson have used some of their council locality budget to contribute to the funding.

Mr Diviani said: “I’m pleased to be supporting the event again this year.

“You can see the hard work that the charities put into their projects and this event is a great opportunity to hear about their work and how they will use the funds.”

Councillor Caroline Kolek, Mayor of Honiton, added: “The town council was keen to ensure the work put in by Honiton Together continued by not only taking part but providing funds to this very worthy initiative.

“The Dragons’ Den event has not only financially supported many local and worthwhile charitable projects but it has also given local organisations the platform on which to raise their profiles and an opportunity to learn through sharing and networking.”