Cash gift is music to the ears of Link Up members.

FAMILY bakers Warburtons have delivered a thick slice of New Year cheer to an East Devon charity.

It has saved dance classes held by Link Up in Honiton with a donation of �200.

The charity is dedicated to helping people with learning difficulties and faced ending the classes after failing to find the cash to pay for a music licence.

Honitonian Heidi Carlyton, who runs the dance classes, said: “The licence costs �140 for playing music and �171 for playing DVDs and, without it, we would be prohibited from playing music and DVDs, which would put an end to our very popular weekly dance sessions, our film night and also put a dampener on any parties or get-togethers we organise.

“Around 40 individuals have attended our dance lessons since they began in 2007 and we have a volunteer dance student on-hand to choreograph routines. We organise a series of shows each year to help to raise vital funds for the charity and it’s also a great way to help everyone in the class improve their movement skills and grow in confidence.

“I’m thrilled Warburtons has given us this donation – we rely heavily on outside donations and, without Warburtons’ support, most of our social activities wouldn’t be able to go ahead and many people we help wouldn’t have the chance to socialise with friends.”

Link Up is based in Honiton and enables those with learning disabilities, their families and their carers to obtain advice, guidance and support, as well as offering them the opportunity to participate in various social activities. Community champion for Warburtons in the South West Angie Grainger said: “Link Up provides a vital service for those in the community who don’t often have a voice and can sometimes feel isolated and alone. The activities they arrange help to build confidence and I’m delighted that Warburtons’ support has enabled the Devon Link Up to continue with their dance classes and other various activities - I can’t wait to see their next performance!”

Photos by Trevor Gliddon