A SPECIAL community Christmas dinner was thrown in Tiverton after one volunteer completed a 10k run in Africa.

Sarah-Jane Tyas-Peterson took part in the Great Ethiopian Run in November as a fundraiser for the Old Heathcoat School community centre.

She paid for herself to travel to Africa, and so all money raised from the 10k race went to the community centre.

Gail Stephens, who also works at Old Heathcoat, said: “She has raised over £700. It is fantastic. We are very lucky to have her. She is the driving force behind us.”

The festive feast was held on Christmas Day, with coffee and mince pies from 12 noon and the dinner served from 1.30pm.

For more information, visit www.heathcoatcommunitycentre.org.uk, or contact 01884 251155.