A donation of more than £4,500 has helped shift Ashburton's Bank Youth Project further from the 'dark place' that threatened to close the doors for good.

Earlier this year trustees of the scheme, which provides support for almost 200 youngsters, revealed that an £18,500 deficit meant its future was in doubt.

The problem had been brought about by a cut in funding from County Hall as council chiefs struggled to balance the books.

So concerned were BYP staff about the likely impact on the town that their response was to offer to work for nothing.

But bosses at Ashburton Cookery School decided to spearhead a fundraising campaign.