The Crediton Operatic & Dramatic Society (CODS) is the latest winner of RGB Building Supplies’ Well Built Community Fund following a public vote where the local community was asked to show their support.

Up against groups based in Holsworthy and Launceston, CODS came out on top of the vote and now has £1,000 to spend at the RGB Crediton branch. Just over 2,000 votes were received in total.

The group has been in existence for over 50 years and stages concerts, musicals and plays for the enjoyment of the local community. The shows take place in the school hall at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy and the society works hard to transform the hall and entrance foyer into theatre sets to fit around each show. CODS will be using the £1,000 to purchase materials to create scenery and sets for upcoming performances.

Heather Barlow, chairman at Crediton Operatic & Dramatic Society, said: "On behalf of CODS, we were delighted to be shortlisted for the RGB community award. As a group, we then worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the award with our friends, family and local town, as well as our followers and asked for their support. We were stunned with the response we got and were over the moon to have been successful in our bid.

“Since the RGB branch opened in Crediton, we have always used them to buy our materials for all of our productions, and they have been very supportive and helpful over the years. Winning this grant will help us with our production and we cannot thank RGB enough.”