A CONVENTION discussing how to make Devon and Cornwall safer places to live was held in Okehampton last weekend.

The Safer Communities Convention brought various agencies together including police, charity groups and Home Office representatives at the Octagon Theatre last Saturday to discuss issues such as crime and fire prevention.

The convention was opened by Mayor of Okehampton Cllr Christine Marsh who said the event had been ?absolutely amazing? and had succeeded in being both interesting and informative.

Speakers included Sir John Evans, president of the Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association and former Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Tony Heal, head of the International Communication and Crime Reduction Unit and John Howell, director general of the National Neighbourhood Watch Association.

The convention presenter was Justin Leigh from BBC Radio Devon and Spotlight, who was given a cheque for £475 for Radio Devon?s Chestnut Appeal.

The day also featured demonstrations of the latest crime prevention devices. There was also information from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Crimestoppers and Horse Watch.

Organiser Colin Harris, from Lewdown, said there had been a ?very good turnout? for the convention with 200 delegates attending.

?With a dozen high profile cases being investigated at the moment, people are a little concerned and this was the ideal weekend to get the message across,? said Mr Harris.

However, he was keen to reassure people, adding: ?We do still live in two of the safest counties in England, and West Devon itself is the safest place to live in Devon and Cornwall.?

Following the talks by the guest speakers, presentations were made to the winners of this year?s Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Awards. Among the winners were: Sally Hamilton and ?Oscar? the Golden Retriever, from West Devon, Paul-Graham Drury, from Bere Alston, and West Devon Police and Neighbourhood Watch Group in the Rural Award category.

In the co-ordinator of the year category one of the winners was Ricky Paul, of Buckland Monachorum.

The Safer Communities Convention was funded by a grant from the Tarka Country Millennium Awards.