CHILDREN at Bovey Tracey Youth Cafe have some brand-new computer equipment, thanks to members of the Bovey Tracey Freemasons Lodge and local financial advisers Loughtons.

The cafe’s aged computer gear has been replaced with new kit bought with a £1,300 donation from the Masons and £250 from Loughtons, who also donated a refurbished computer.

The equipment was set up by JMV Solutions who gave advice and assistance, and installed it all free of charge.

Deputy manager of the Youth Cafe, Mariann Johnson, said: ‘We are so grateful to the Bovey Tracey Masons and to Loughtons for their kind and generous donations.

‘We have used the funds to purchase some new laptops which we were in desperate need of replacing.

‘Laptops are an important part of their world nowadays as well as being a way for them to complete homework and be creative.’

The day-to-day running costs of the Youth Cafe are covered by Bovey Tracey Town Council in partnership with the parish church who recognise the valuable work the charity does in the town.

Bovey Tracey mayor Cllr Avril Kerslake said: ‘The council has supported the Youth Cafe on a regular basis for many years now and we are delighted that the project is going from strength to strength.

‘In these challenging times, we need to help our young people as much as we can – in whatever way we can.’

Mariann added: ‘The cafe is thriving and we are welcoming more young people than ever before, but funds are very hard to come by. We are always striving to raise money needed to keep our doors open.

‘It is the support of our local community and donations such as these that really help to make a difference to our charity.’