An historic South Hams disabled charity has benefited from the generosity of two Devon businesses.

Dame Hannahs has been given a brand new dishwasher for the children’s home it runs in Ivybridge.

And the charity also has a new car to raffle off as part of its Big 250 fundraising campaign, which it is running to mark 250 years in operation.

Hannahs runs a school, respite centre, community hub, and Hannahwood, for older students, in Ivybridge, but also runs the large former agricultural college Seale-Hayne, near Newton Abbot. When both the tumble dryer in the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Seale-Hayne and the dishwasher in the children’s home at Hannahs Ivybridge broke down at the same time, the charity was up against it.

But luckily, local business Refrigeration Discount Services of Newton Abbot donated the much needed equipment, even delivering it. RDS owner Phil Higginson said: “When I received a call from Hannahs explaining that two of their appliances were in urgent need of replacement, I didn’t think twice in donating our services. RDS is proud to have been supplying kitchen appliances in the Newton Abbot area for over 40 years and we are only too pleased to have helped such a worthy charity supporting children and young adults with disabilities.”

Speedwell Kia in Paignton has also got in on the act, donating a brand new Kia Picanto as a prize for Hannahs Car Draw. The winning ticket will be drawn at Hannahs Amazing Christmas Children’s Party on December 16.

Speedwell Kia managing director Martin Richards said he has been aware of Hannahs for some time through his sister in law, who is a member of the Ivybridge Supporter Group. He said: "I have been aware of Hannahs for some time and I am delighted to be supporting such a fantastic local charity. Hopefully through the car draw we can raise lots of money for Hannahs."