REVELLERS raised £6,400 for Dawlish charity AIMS at a 30th birthday masquerade ball held at Cofton Country Park, marked the charity’s milestone anniversary.

AIMS, which stands for Activities, Interests, Music and Support, was set up to help families with children with special needs. 

Founder Dr Jill Diprose was awarded the British Empire Medal for her charity work in this year’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of her services to local families and children with special needs. 

One of the organisers of the ball Emma Nankervis said: ‘The AIMS 30th Birthday Masquerade Ball raised an incredible £6400.

‘We’re over the moon thanks to everyone who supported us.’

The event also featured an auction of lots including holidays and rugby memorabilia from Exeter Chiefs and England Rugby.

The auction was presided over by David Force who, Emma said, ‘not only kept everything on track last night and weilded his gavel with much aplomb’.

He also donated £500 from the sale of his two Dawlish history books to the charity as well as a donation of £250 from the 41 Club. 

Emma said: ‘We don’t sing David’s praises enough but he really is our hero and always looks to help us get the most out of events we hold.’

David’s wife Amanda was also thanked for her help with the games and auction prizes.

Thanks also went to the staff at Cofton Country Park. 

AIMS runs Saturday morning drop in sessions at Oaklands School in Dawlish where paid play leaders and volunteers offer crafts, coolking, music games with outdoor space available. 

Over the years, it has acquired equipment rangging from musical instruments to bikes and scooters and also has use of the school swimming pool.