OLYMPIC equestrian Mary King proved a draw at this year's rural conference, hosted by Savills South West.

More than 50 farmers and landowners from the West Country attended the event, which took place last week at the Arundell Arms in Lifton.

Entitled '21st Century Land Management', the conference covered issues ranging from rural grants and land market values, through to estate benchmarking and bringing the traditional landed estate into the 21st century.

Delegates were treated to speakers from Savills teams in Exeter and Truro and from John Varley, estates director at Clinton Devon Estate.

The highlight of the afternoon for many of the guests was a first hand insight into Mary King's Olympic experience — she ahs represented Britain in six Olympic Games.

Paul Cressy, south west head of group, said: 'Our rural conference has attracted clients and contacts from across the region and each year it grows in profile.  We were delighted to be able to host Mary King, alongside our industry speakers, offering delegates both an informative and entertaining afternoon.'