THE sudden death of its chairman has come as a blow to the Devizes branch of the British Heart Foundation.

John Garner, who lived at Highlands, Potterne, died at his home on March 27.

He had been a tireless worker for the heart charity for a number of years, and had not only organised fundraising events but had produced the branch's newsletter.

Branch vice chairman Pam Phillips said Mr Garner's death had highlighted the branch's desperate shortage of voluntary help.

She said: "Last year we raised more than £6,000 for the British Heart Foundation through concerts, coffee mornings, a street collection and a very successful quiz night. We have a big concert coming up at Seend on April 24 featuring the Chippenham Male Voice Choir.

"All this involves a lot of work and at the moment we have six or seven members handling it all."

Anyone prepared to pitch in and lend a hand should contact Mrs Phillips on (01380) 722176.