HOT shots were on target on Friday when a clay pigeon shoot organised by a cricket club bowled over organisers by raising at least £55,000.

Half of the total raised by Bishops Cannings Cricket Club will go to our Julia's House appeal to provide carers for Wiltshire families with sick and disabled children.

Editor Gary Lawrence was overwhelmed by the support towards our pledge to raise £100,000 during 2016 for the charity which is building a new children's hospice in Devizes. He said: "This is fantastic news. The £27,500 is a huge boost for our appeal and we are very grateful."

The event at Wellington Barn will also benefit Devizes Opportunity Centre, Ataxia, which supports people with the neurological condition and Myasthenia Gravis research.

Cricket club chairman Ed Davies said the day had taken a tremendous amount of effort to organise but had gone off smoothly. He thanked club president David Sheppard for organising the practical side of the shoot.

Mr Davies said the auction alone had raised £24,500 as people bid huge amounts for the opportunity to shoot on the Ramsbury Estate and for a holiday villa in Spain as well as other money can't buy lots. A meal for ten at his own home sold for £850. The raffle, which consisted of people buying envelopes containing the possibility of a prize for £20 each, raised £500.

Mr Davies said: "It was a truly wonderful day. Everyone had a fantastic time and seemed to really enjoy the novelty stands such as the axe throwing and pistol shooting.

"The weather was perfect for shooting. Cool in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. Seeing everyone enjoy themselves and raising so much money made all the work worthwhile."

He said at this moment he could not imagine doing it all again but did not rule out repeating the event again in two years time. He said: "To quote Steve Redgrave if anyone hears me talking about doing this again they have permission to shoot me. But in two years time who knows."

He thanked everyone who had supported or sponsored the event including main sponsors: Nick Burns, Carter Jonas, Weber barbecues, Beechfield Reclamation, Fussell Wadman garage, Jewson, Devizes, Avon Trophies, Gaiger Brothers, Carter Pumps, Ramsbury Estates, Hilldrop Estate, Ramsbury, Walter Rose butchers, Wellington Barn, Cameron Naughton and Covered Occasions Marquees.