A BUDLEIGH Salterton man has found a unique way of raising much-needed funds for cancer and prostate patients.

A BUDLEIGH Salterton man has found a unique way of raising much-needed funds for cancer and prostate patients.

Selfless Alan Alford, 61, of Lansdowne Road, can often be seen walking around East Devon Golf Course, with his dog, searching for lost balls - which he cleans and sells back to the players for a donation.

All the money he makes from his venture is ploughed into a fundraising pot for the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital's (RD&E) Dart ward.

So far Mr Alford, known to his friends as Tim or Twig, has raised �329 for the ward which specialises in urology services and treats patients with conditions such as prostate diseases, kidney cancer and bladder cancer.

Mr Alford's efforts have paid for a new television in the ward day room.

Former RD&E patient Mr Alford said: "After staying on the ward I wanted to show my appreciation to all the staff and their hard work. "I also wanted to raise some money that would directly benefit others in need and felt the ward really deserved the donation."

A Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital spokesperson said: "Dart ward staff would like to say a big thank you to Mr Alford for his efforts.