TWO Exmoor charities have benefited from the proceeds of this year’s village fete in Oakford, near Dulverton.

The fete raised £800 and organisers decided the money should be shared evenly between CareMoor for Exmoor and Exmoor Search and Rescue (ESR).

Organiser Kelvin Holdom said: “Proceeds from the Oakford fete have always been donated to local charities.

“This year, we were pleased to donate £400 each to CareMoor for Exmoor, who look after the natural environment of the moor, and Exmoor Search and Rescue, who help people in need of assistance on the moor.”

Exmoor National Park Authority sustainable economy officer Katrina Munro and ESR’s Josh Warren and Marilyn Sloane last week attended Oakford Village Hall to thank villagers and explain how the donations would help their charities.

CareMoor is currently raising funds for its Great Bradley Bridge appeal to help build a new bridge across the River Barle, near Tarr Steps.

Ms Munro said “The donation towards the new bridge will help us secure the route between Tarr Steps and Withypool for generations.

“It is a stunning valley walk but the current path is heavily eroded by flooding and is at risk of closure as it is only a permitted path.

“The new bridge will divert walkers onto a well-maintained public right of way and mean that for years to come walkers and horse riders can continue to enjoy this route.”

Mr Warren, ESR relationship manager, said: “The team provides specialist mountain rescue services across large parts of Devon and Somerset and we assist the police in locating lost or missing persons, and the ambulance service to recover the injured or ill from remote locations.

“We are made up entirely of highly-skilled volunteer members and are on call 365 days a year.

“We are funded totally by donations, so the £400 from Oakford fete has been really welcome and will help us to continue our vital work.”

The two charities will join forces on October 27 with South West Lakes Trust to host a new event called the ‘Moonlit Walk for Exmoor’.

It will be part of this year’s national park Dark Skies Festival and individuals and groups are being encouraged to raise sponsorship and take part in the nine-mile fully-marshalled event.

Gull details are available at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival.

More information about CareMoor’s Great Bradley Bridge Appeal can be be found at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor and about Exmoor Search and Rescue at www.exmoor-srt.org.uk.