Chart toppers perform at inaugural event, held in the Sergeants’ Mess at the Royal Marines’ Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

They are number two in the album charts, but on Saturday night Military Wives performed exclusively for a Honiton-based charity.

Enthusiastic choir members travelled from Plymouth to the Royal Marines’ Commando Training Centre in Lympstone to be guests of honour at the inaugural, annual Baton dinner.

Held in the Sergeants’ Mess and attended by the centre’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Neil Willson, former Olympic gymnast Suzanne Dando, who is a trustee of the charity, and Lord and Lady Evans, the night celebrated the Baton’s journey so far.

For the charity’s founder, Honiton barber Alan Rowe MBE, and his devoted wife, Pauline, it was an emotional occasion.

It was especially poignant when Mr Rowe presented a replica Baton to one of his three daughters, Paula.

The trophy, to be awarded annually, recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the charity.

The surprise award was given to Paula because she did not wait to help, instead anticipating when help was needed.

After dining with guests, the choir performed three songs.

Choir members shared their thoughts on their success so far with other diners and seemed genuinely interested in the Baton’s aims - to promote support in the civilian population for service personnel, their family members and friends.

The dinner was held in the Sergeants’ Mess by kind permission of the Regimental Sergeant Major, Don Hayes RM.