A FANTASTIC year has been enjoyed by members of a thriving young people?s club in West Devon, according to the club?s secretary.

Emma Lethbridge said Roborough Young Farmers? Club members have been involved in a wide range of events and competitions throughout the year.

Members joined forces with Tavistock YFC to produce their pantomime, Jack and the Giant, and after much training by Marilyn Sharpe and Will Luke, the production was placed fourth in a group competition at Totnes.

Throughout the year, members have been involved in a variety of farming events.

Ann Horton won the novice beef stock judging, with brother Will winning the senior class. David Butland and Richard Hearn took joint first in the novice dairy stock judging, Emma Lethbridge won the intermediate section and Becky Butland represented Devon at the European dairy event at Stoneleigh.

Will Horton won a senior sheep shearing title, with Becky Butland taking honours in the junior section and brother David winning the novice event.

Emma said it was important to remember that young people did not have to be farmers to join a young farmers? club ? many events and activities had nothing to do with farming.

She said: ?In September, members tried their hands at self-defence training through a skills for life programme ? nine members completed the course, along with some members from Ivybridge and Tavistock.

?For the new members? week, also in September, the club took a trip to Woodlands near Dartmouth, along with other clubs in the group.?

The young farmers? club has also been involved in several charity events throughout the year, raising money for their chosen organisations, which are St Luke?s Hospice and Mencap.

They entered a raft in the Morwellham Quay raft race and held a successful duck race at Magpie Bridge, near Horrabridge.

Anyone interested in joining Roborough Young Farmers? Club, or who would like to find out more about its activities, should call Emma Lethbridge on 07811 012785.