WEST Devon farmer John Pearce now has a new place to sit and relax in the sun after winning a national competition run by DEFRA.
Mr Pearce, of Church Stile, Monkokehampton, correctly answered four questions about conservation when he entered the competition to win a wooden garden bench after visiting the department's permanent farming and conservation site at the Royal Show in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire this summer.
Mr Pearce, who joined DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship Scheme two years ago, said: 'This is a wonderful prize. We hadn't been to the Royal Show for a number of years so to win something like this is really fantastic.
'Countryside Stewardship has provided an extra income for us and it is nice to see some of the wildlife, such as herons and kingfishers, returning to our stream. We have also created a new public access which seems to be popular with local people.'
The 180-acre farm has been in the family for three generations and Mr Pearce now keeps beef cattle, sheep and 50 sows.
Among those backing DEFRA's farming and conservation schemes at the show was botanist Professor David Bellamy, who conducted sustainability workshops for the public, using the different agri-environment displays.
Prof Bellamy said: 'I greatly enjoyed myself and am glad my efforts were well received. It was great fun talking to all the people. It is always nice to bring good news to the public.'
l Pictured enjoying the bench are (left to right) John Pearce, Mike Sisson and Anita Pearce with James Pearce