Mercy money delivered in two days - by hand.

A HONITON organisation beat the banks after it was told mercy cash could take up to three months to reach a flood hit region in Brazil.

The Rotary Club of Honiton managed to get �500 delivered in cash in just two days.

The cash was personally handed over by Honitonian Don Waterhouse to Rotarians in the heart of the disaster zone in Teresopolis, Nova Friburgo.

Mr Waterhouse lives in Brazil for part of the year and is also a member of a Rotary Club there.

John Dalton, president of Honiton Roatary Club, said: “When we heard about the floods, we wanted to act quickly.

“We have got club connections in that part of Brazil and felt we must help.

“I was rather appalled when we were told it could take up to three months to get the cash to the disaster zone using a bank. And it was going to cost money for every telephone call and letter from the bank.”

Graham Godfrey, the club’s treasurer, found a way to beat the system.

He asked Mr Waterhouse if he could pay the cash into his bank account - so he could draw it out in Brazil.

Mr Waterhouse was only too pleased to oblige and, within 48 hours, was presenting the cash to Renato de Oliviera Figureido, of Rotary District 4750 in Brazil.

Mr Godfrey said: “This is one example of how local donations are used to offer immediate relief via Rotary contacts in other areas.”