AGE Concern Exmouth and District received a financial boost this week when Manor Lodge Residential Home signed up as Platinum Sponsors.

The scheme is an innovative way to fund raise – businesses pay for advertising on the side of the Age Concern Bus and in return fund a local charity.

Ray Kerler-Lovegrove of Manor Lodge in Portland Avenue said: “They provide a valuable service…it is a charity we feel it is important to support.”

The corporate sponsorship scheme was started by trustee Graham Martin and has been very successful in the two years since it started.

Steve Dace Chief Officer Age Concern Exmouth said: “The benefits are enormous both to our service users and sponsors alike.

“We are completely independent …responsible for raising our own funding.

“All monies raised stay in the Exmouth and district area helping to fund the many services and activities we provide.

“It’s a win-win situation…35 per cent of the population are older people who could benefit from our services are being directly supported by local business.

“It’s a way that businesses in Exmouth can give something back to their local community on behalf of their very own customers.”