REPRESENTATIVES from two services charities attended a ceremony in Bradford on Avon where cheques were presented from the town's Countdown to Peace project.

Last Thursday, cheques for hundreds of pounds were handed over to SSAFA and the Royal British Legion in Westbury Gardens after the town came together to commemorate the end of the First World War in November last year.

As part of the project, Cllr Simon Mc Neill-Ritchie ran a number of events which helped to raise the funds for both service charities.

The project saw a programme of informative and sometimes moving events and exhibitions, including the installation of a trench system and WW1 tank in the Tithe Barn.

More than 8,000 people participated in over 40 events, including hundreds of school children.

The project was part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by Bradford on Avon Town Council.

Ian Ferries of SSAFA said: "The Bradford on Avon Countdown to Peace Campaign raised a huge amount of money for the two frontline charities dealing with Veterans and their families in Wiltshire.

"SSAFA Wiltshire will use the £3174.15 to improve the quality of life for the many people in Bradford on Avon and the surrounding county who need our help.

"Indeed, last year SSAFA helped over 73,000 people through our network of nearly 6,000 volunteers.

"In short every penny counts and we will make good use of this generous contribution which Bradford on Avon Countdown to Peace worked so hard to collect.”

The now Mayor, Simon McNeill-Ritchie said: “Bradford on Avon can feel proud of this amazing achievement.

"Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund it didn’t cost the town a penny.

"It instead raised a tremendous sum for these two vital service charities.”