CANDLES on the Cobb raised one of the largest donations in the South West for national charity Help for Heroes.

The committee presented the charity with a cheque for £11,000 to help those who have been wounded in Britain’s current conflicts.

They saw first hand how the money would be spent when they travelled to Help for Heroes’ flagship recovery centre Tedworth House, in Wiltshire, to hand over the check to Officer Commanding, Major Peter Smith.

More than £22,000 was raised at Candles on the Cobb in Lyme Regis in August last year, when 5,000 candles illuminated the Cobb.

Half has been donated to Lyme Regis youth charities and Help for Heroes was chosen as the national charity to benefit.

Committee member Mike Higgs, whose brother has served in the Armed Forces, said: “I felt so proud to have raised these funds for such a great cause.”

The group was given a tour of Tedworth House, which includes facilities to help injured service men and women recover physically, as well as facilities for personal development, such as carpentry and computer skills.

Committee member Les Herbert said: “What an inspiration these facilities must be for our wounded, injured and sick to have available to them.

“In fact we were told by the staff here that these facilities are there 24/7 for all, especially returning veterans.

“What a great facility to have, which helps them lead towards an active, independent and fulfilling life.

“This support helps them reach their full potential and to support them and their families for life.”

The committee also presented Help for Heroes’ South West regional co-ordinator Richard Lupton with a framed photograph of Candles on the Cobb 2012.

Mr Lupton said it would hang on the wall of Major Smith’s office.

Mr Herbert said: “Richard Lupton also informed us that our donation of £11,000 was the second largest amount raised in the South West area, which was a great achievement for us.

“All of the committee came away from Tedworth House feeling very proud to be able to support Help for Heroes charity and knowing that our injured service men and women can go to a place like Tedworth House.”

The committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to making last year’s event a success, including helpers, sponsors, local businesses, local people, and thousands of visitors who gave generously.