The Devon Freewheelers' 'necessary service' has won the backing of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, at Beer, who has named the cause its charity of the year.

'The Buffs' Brothers, in Beer, held a fundraising tombola at Jubilee Gardens, where they raised funds and awareness of the Devon Freewheelers Blood Bikes charity, based in Honiton.

Brother Colin Levine said the Ye Rattenbury Lodge nominated the Devon Freewheelers because its 16 members recognised the work of the charity locally, and across the county.

Mr Levine, a member of the events committee, said: "Most people have heard of the Devon Freewheelers. We felt that the charity was local and that Devon Freewheelers provides a necessary service to the local community."

Devon Freewheelers volunteers joined the Brothers at Jubilee Gardens, raising funds and showcasing the work of the Devon Blood Bikes and its free service, supporting the NHS.

Public generosity from donations made direct to the charity on the day raised £114 – the cost of refueling three Blood Bikes, or replacing one motorcycle tyre.

Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers deputy CEO, said: "We are indebted to the Buffs at Beer for naming the Devon Freewheelers as its nominated charity of the year, supporting the service of the Blood Bikes and the volunteers.

"Funds raised by the Brothers over the year will go a long way to keep the vital free service on the road, supporting the NHS throughout Devon.

"We cannot thank the Buffs enough for recognising the service Devon Freewheelers provides throughout the county.

He added: "The charity's volunteers were grateful for the opportunity to showcase the work of the Devon Freewheelers at the Buffs' fundraising event in Beer's Jubilee Gardens."

Mr Levine said people and businesses and had 'been generous', donating a host of tombola goodies for the two raffles, with prizes for all ages.

The Buffs men's friendship group meets each Monday in the Scout hall, Beer, with the aim of helping out in the community while raising funds for good causes.

Photos show the Devon Freewheelers volunteers teaming up with the Buffs at Beer for the tombola fundraiser, in Jubilee Gardens. Credit: Devon Freewheelers