OLLIE Octopus is the new fun character helping to promote the North Devon charity Care for Kids.

Designed by ten-year-old Ella Gill of Newport, Barnstaple, the jolly motif was the winner of the charity's Mascot Design Competition.

For her creative prowess Ella won a prize of £50, donated by the North Devon Journal.

It was presented by the editor Andy Cooper at the charity's annual fundraising afternoon tea on Sunday at Bratton Fleming Village Hall.

Ollie will now be used on promotional material and sponsorship forms and will also feature on the charity's website.

The charity supports and equips the children's ward at North Devon District Hospital and also provides financial help to families whose children are patients in specialist hospitals outside the area.

There were 70 entries altogether for the mascot competition with several very strong contenders.

Entries had to meet certain criteria: they had to be original, had to capture the essence of North Devon and be fun so that children would be able to relate to the eventual winner.

All the designs were on display during the charity's afternoon tea which raised £450.

There were cream teas, a raffle, a tombola, face-painting and table top quizzes.

Information was also available on local walks and several families took advantage of this.

Care for Kids was set up in 2009 to provide instant financial help to families whose sick children were transferred to specialist hospitals outside North Devon.

More than 20 families so far have received a grant of up to £600 each to help with travelling expenses.

The charity also raises money to provide little extras for the children's ward at North Devon District Hospital in order to make life a little easier and more fun for long term patients.

The charity has enhanced the playroom by providing a Wii, Playstation 2 and associated games, and a large flat screen TV.

Funds have been raised through a variety of events including a Greek night, coffee mornings, the London marathon and a sponsored kayak paddle.