Excelsior Athletic Development Club, based in Wellington and Willand, has received two lots of funding.

The Rev Simon Talbot presented a cheque for £150 on behalf of Willand United Charities to head coach James Marshall at the club, which will be used to help subsidise club T-shirts and tracksuits for members.

“We have looked at our remit, and we want to help more local people on low incomes take part in activities like this,” the Rev Talbot said.

The club, which runs coaching sessions in gymnastics, athletics and weight lifting, has also received £1,000 from The Gibbons Family Trust, based in Budleigh Salterton, to help buy a new air inflatable mat.

James said: “We are not in a position to offer coaching free of charge but we do want to reduce the pressure on families by subsidising the extra costs involved in being part of a club.

“The generous donations mean that we can buy new equipment and offer a great opportunity locally.”

Any young people in Wellington who want to learn gymnastics should contact James at [email protected] Beginners are welcome. The club runs weekly sessions at Court Fields school on Wednesday afternoons.