WEST Devon children's charity CHICKS has been chosen as The Natwest Venus Awards' charity of the year for 2014.  CHICKS provides free, week long respite breaks for disadvantaged children from across the UK, who would not otherwise have time away from their difficult lives.  Kathryn Hames, corporate partnerships manager of CHICKS, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the Devon Venus charity partner this year and are really looking forward to their annual awards night in November. 'CHICKS provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children from Devon and across the UK. The children CHICKS support come from a variety of backgrounds. 'Many have been abused, live in poverty, or have been neglected.  Others live in care or are themselves young carers, often bearing the extraordinary responsibility of caring for disabled or terminally ill relatives.  'What they have in common is the desperate need to create some positive childhood memories, to be listened to, and to have the kind of fun that all children deserve. 'Support from the Devon Venus Awards will help us raise much needed funds and awareness of our work.' The Venus Awards recognise the efforts and talents of local businesswomen and are split into 15 categories covering all aspects of business and personal achievement. So far this year more than 2,000 women have been nominated for the awards in the county. The public vote for some of the categories begins next month and the finals will be held at a glittering awards ceremony at the University of Exeter' s Great Hall in November.