GENEROUS Met Office staff contributed to the NSPCC's South West Child's Voice appeal when the Buckerell Lodge came calling with a range of tasty treats.

The hotel's sales manager Bruce Harvey joined forces with Eurest Catering and G4S at the Exeter-based weather centre to set up a fundraising stand.

Staff and contractors were enticed with marshmallows, flapjacks, brownies and pieces of fruit which they could dip in a choice of white or dark chocolate fountains.

Donations totalling £170 were collected for the drive to enhance the services provided by the ChildLine call centre in Exeter.

The Buckerell Lodge is one of 13 businesses competing to raise funds for the cause in the Echo's inaugural Dragon's Challenge, which concludes at the end of this month.

Dragons' Den star and the appeal's regional chairwoman Deborah Meaden will spend a day with the company which raises the most money.

Reflecting on his visit to the Met Office, Bruce said: "The day was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the charity. The support from everyone within the Met Office was outstanding and the hard work from Eurest Catering and G4S was very much appreciated.

"The staff made a big effort to come down and see us. There were quite a lot of questions about what ChildLine did; fortunately, having been to the call centre, I was able to give them some information." The Buckerell Lodge is hosting a quiz night with Edge Recruits on Thursday, March 18. Teams of three to six people can enter. The entry charge of £5 per person includes a curry buffet.

Doors open at 6pm and the quiz is at 7pm. To enter a team call Alana at Edge Recruits on 0870 160 1230.

Elsewhere, a charity ball organised by System 6 Kitchens is at Sandy Park tomorrow.

On Friday evening, Woodbury Park is staging a night golf competition, followed by bingo and food. First tee-off time is at 6.30pm and booking is still open for anyone wanting to play.

On Wednesday, March 17, the hotel is holding a sponsored 'wear it green' day for St Patrick's Day. On Sunday, March 28, there will be a 10-a-side, over-30s rugby tournament, with entry costing £150 per team. To take part in the golf or rugby, call 01395 234735.