A GROUP of enterprising Dartmoor hill farmers, a young silver band member and a village cricket club have been chosen for this year's West Devon Mayoral Awards.

Moorskills Farming, under the chairmanship of Phil Heard of Meldon, bandsman Andrew Collier from Hatherleigh and Lewdown Youth Cricket Club will all be presented with their awards at a meeting of West Devon Borough Council on April 20.

Moorskills, only the second recipients of the mayor's green award, which recognises achievements in the community, is made up of a group of ten Dartmoor hill farmers who employ young people to learn the skills and traditions of the profession. Gaining experience from a number of partners to the project, each apprentice works towards a recognised diploma qualification whilst keeping traditional farming methods alive.

Sixteen year old Andrew Collier, a Hatherleigh Silver Band member, has had the honour of playing the Last Post at the Remembrance Day service for the last two years – the youngest band member ever to have done so. A keen cricketer, Andrew also plays for Hatherleigh Cricket Club and took the young player of the year award last season. He was nominated for the 18 years and under mayoral award by Hatherleigh Town Council.

Lewdown Youth Cricket Club, nominated by Lewdown Grouped Parish Council, has triumphed in the senior category of the awards by involving the whole community in an organisation with more than 60 members. Members have worked together to improve facilities, including building a new pavilion, running training sessions and matches as well as providing support for its young players.

West Devon mayor Cllr Alison Clish-Green congratulated the trio on their successes.

Cllr Clish-Green, who chaired a panel of judges to select the award winners, said: 'I am delighted to be presenting these awards. All the winners have shown commitment in their particular fields, demonstrating their value to their communities.'