A village cricket club has bowled over Devizes Opportunity Centre manager Betty Newman by presenting her with a cheque for £7,000 for our Give Us A Chance appeal.

Bishops Cannings Cricket Club chairman Ed Davies and captain James Rapson called in to the centre in Bellevue Road, Devizes, on Thursday to hand over the money.

The money is part of the profits made from a clay pigeon shoot at Wellington Barn, Calstone, near Calne at the end of May.

Mrs Newman said: “It is just an unbelievable amount to be given. We are totally overwhelmed and so grateful.”

Mr Davies and Mr Rapson were given a tour of the building. This brought back memories for Mr Davies, who, as chairman of Devizes Round Table in 1994, helped raise money for a sensory room at the centre, which is still being used.

The cricket club raised £31,000 from its shoot, which it is splitting between five charities. The auction alone raised £17,500.

Mr Davies said: “We like to support local charities where we can and we know Devizes Opportunity Centre does a fantastic job to help local children.”

The appeal has also been boosted by £150 from Devizes Lions Ladies. Treasurer Laura Stratton wrote to the centre to thank them for the support they give to children and parents.

Mrs Newman said: “The cheque just arrived in the post with a little card.

"Our profile has been raised so much by the Gazette’s appeal. It is an amazing effort you have put into urging everyone in the community to get behind the appeal, raise funds on our behalf and for publicising the vital work we do.”

Mr Davies said: “We like to support local charities where we can and we know the centre does a fantastic job to help children.”