THE grand sum of �500 was raised for the Reece Strawbridge Youth Centre building in Colyton during a recent event in the Peace Memorial Playing field pavilion.

THE grand sum of �500 was raised for the Reece Strawbridge Youth Centre building in Colyton during a recent event in the Peace Memorial Playing field pavilion.

Cash was raised as part of the centre's 'Buy a Slice' fundraising campaign.

Refreshment were served at the event, which was attended by Reece Strawbridge - the nephew of the centre's namesake.

His great uncle, who had been a baker in the town, made use of the disused chapel in Colyton for young people after World War One.

Joan White was also present. Her late husband, Roy, was a nephew of the original Reece and was instrumental in persuading him to invest in the old building. He was then youth leader for many years.

Building project chairman Paul Arnott said: "The morning was well attended, despite the wind and rain, and raised a welcome �500 for the Buy a Slice campaign, as well as giving us the opportunity to launch it."

Young Reece met up with Mrs White and the late Mr White's brother, Grenville, and daughter, Christine Morrison.