A care home has raised funds for a charity by selling horse manure.

Staff at Raleigh Manor care home in Exmouth came up with the idea to help raise funds for Age UK Devon’s new Sow and Grow project.

The project is based at the Hamilton Lane allotments.

When approached by Peter Ferlie at Age UK Devon to see if the home could assist with fundraising, they came up with the unique idea that would benefit more than just Age UK Devon.

Staff member Louise O’Sullivan said: "Something I have an endless supply of at home, is horse manure.

"And we all know how great, aged horse manure is for the garden.

"So, I thought the obvious thing to do is bag it up and offer it for Age UK Devon to 'sell' for a donation to users at the allotment."

Mr Ferlie said: "After getting approval from the allotment committee to go ahead, we asked allotment holders who would be interested in taking some.

"We were inundated with orders and decided we will need to arrange a second round."

"We were asking for a minimum £2 donation per bag and have handed over, 100 bags in this first round."

The funds raised will be used to purchase equipment for the new Sow and Grow project which aims to create opportunities for older people to use their gardening knowledge and skills, to take part in regular activity and make new friends.

For anyone interested in finding out more about the Sow and Grow project, please contact on 0333 241 2340 or email info@ageukdevon.org.uk.