INSPIRATIONAL community heroes and green champions have won this year's West Devon Borough Council Mayoral Awards.

Teenage sailing instructor Jo Coomber, community fundraiser Paul Gentle, The Burrow Community Shop and Café at Exbourne and Andy Bradford, of Brimpts Farm, will be presented with their accolades at a special ceremony in May.

The awards are presented each year to recognise the efforts of people working to make life better for local communities.

Cllr Robin Musgrave, the mayor of West Devon, said: 'I have been very impressed by the quality of nominations and it was hard to make a final decision.

'It is reassuring to think there are so many people in our area putting in so much effort to help make a difference.

'Our winners reflect all aspects of life in the borough and thoroughly deserve this small recognition for their hard work 'Congratulations to all those nominated and, in particular, this year's winners.'

The Under 18 award for 2013 goes to Jo Coomber from Bere Alston.

At 16, Jo is already a qualified RYA dinghy instructor and an active member of Weir Quay Sailing Club. She was nominated by Bere Ferrers Parish Council who praised her 'positive approach' and talent.

There are joint winners for the 2013 Mayor's Green Award. Andy Bradford, of Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet, shares the accolade with The Burrow Community Shop and Café at Exbourne.

Andy Bradford was nominated by Dartmoor Partnership Ltd for his efforts in sustainable tourism, farm diversification, environmental education and helping to reduce the carbon footprint of his business.

The nomination said of Andy: "He is adamant that every visitor leaves Brimpts having recognised that agriculture, tourism and the preservation of the environment are inextricably linked.'

The Burrow Community Shop and Café at Exbourne was nominated for its role as a much-needed community resource and meeting place. The shop, which is built under a field in the centre of the village, has been open for a year and proved a great success.

Local resident Lorraine Aagaard nominated The Burrow and praised the team of volunteers who run it.

She said:'I feel this project well deserves being recognised as an amazing feat by a band of very persuasive and persistent people.'

The 2013 Over 18 award goes to Paul Gentle from Bere Alston. He has been the 'driving force' behind a community group which has raised funds to redevelop the parish hall. 

The nomination from Bere Ferrers Parish Council said: 'Paul has a very demanding job but was still able to find the necessary hours to push this project forward.

Cllr Musgrave will present the awards to the winners at a ceremony in the Council Chamber at Kilworthy Park, Tavistock on Friday, May 10 at 6.30pm.