TV CELEBRITY and businessman Noel Edmonds, who lives at Jacobstowe, is president-elect for this year's Okehampton Show and will take on the role of president at next year's event.

Bill Voaden, chairman of the show for the last 25 years and now joint chair, said he was 'very pleased' at the news.

Mr Voaden said: 'One of the reasons we asked him was that we felt he had done quite a bit to help the farming community over foot and mouth and we thought it would be nice for him to be our president.

'I think he likes it here. He's been here several years, he's done quite a bit locally for the community and it's one way of saying thank you.'

This year's show takes place on August 8 — but for the second year, there will be no cows, sheep, goats or pigs present.

Mr Voaden said many of the top breeders were still reluctant to visit with their animals as the Okehampton area was so badly affected by foot and mouth.

Biosecurity rules would also have to be strictly adhered to.

But despite the lack of animals, a wide variety of stalls, shows displays and entertainment has been laid on to attract the crowds.

And Mr Voaden had high hopes that next year's show, held on August 14 with Noel Edmonds as president, would be the best ever.

Mr Edmonds has lived in Jacobstowe with his wife and family since 1989

He said he was 'absolutely gobsmacked' when he was asked to be president of the show.

'I'm thrilled and honoured,' he said. 'We had a meeting last week because I wanted to know exactly what was involved. I do consider it to be a great honour and I wanted to make sure I could commit sufficient time to it.

'When I look back over the list of people who have held the position, I have to say I am humbled and I think it's rather a nice way of recognising that we really are part of the community.'

Mr Edmonds said he visited Okehampton Show most years — his first memory of the event was when he came with his parents at the age of nine.

'All I can remember is there was a Dartmoor pony rodeo, which apparently the authorities stopped, not because of cruelty to the ponies, more to the young farmers!' said Mr Edmonds.

He said he felt 'very close' to the farming community, particularly in the light of last year's foot and mouth crisis, and was 'really looking forward' to the coming show — and next year's as president.

'I might even buy a bowler hat!' he said.