WORK to maintain and improve a beauty spot in the heart of Devizes has been given a boost by regulars at a town pub.

Ian and Sarah Wixon of The Southgate have continued their support of The Drews Pond Wood Project by donating £1,100 to the cause.

Volunteer organiser Stuart Hislop thanked the pub tenants and their regulars for their continued support. He said: "We are most grateful to everyone at the Southgate."

Money was raised during the year by collections at a number of music nights and other events staged at the pub.

The Drews Pond Wood Project was originally set up by Lorna Llewellyn and Mr Hislop in 1990 with the aim to protect the woods from development following the conversion of the nearby old Roundway Hospital to housing.

The woods now have nature reserve status and have become a county wildlife site. Ownership of the land was first taken over by Kennet District Council and then transferred to Wiltshire Council.

Mr Hislop leads a band of around 30 volunteers who hold regular working parties to constantly improve the woods.

Drews pond is important for its 29 different ancient woodland including field rose, wood sorrel, and Solomon's seal.