WEST Devon achievers were celebrated at a ceremony to mark the borough's mayoral awards.

An innovative team of Dartmoor Hill farmers, a village cricket club and a young Silver Band member won high praise from West Devon mayor Cllr Alison Clish-Green, who chaired a panel of judges for the competition and presented the awards.

Moorskills Farming, under the chairmanship of Phil Heard of Meldon, won the mayor's green award which recognises achievements in the community.

The group of ten Dartmoor Hill farmers employ young people to learn the skills and traditions of the profession working towards a recognised diploma.

Young bandsman Andrew Collier, 16, from Hatherleigh, plays for the town's silver band and has played 'the Last Post' at the Remembrance Day service for the last two years – the youngest band member ever to have done so. A keen cricketer, Andrew also plays for Hatherleigh Cricket Club and took the young player of the year award last season. He was nominated for the 18 years and under mayoral award by Hatherleigh Town Council.

Lewdown Youth Cricket Club, nominated by Lewdown Grouped Parish Council, triumphed in the senior category of the awards by involving the whole community in an organisation with more than 60 members. Members have worked together to improve facilities, including building a new pavilion, running training sessions and matches, as well as providing support for its young players.

Cllr Clish-Green said: 'All the winners have shown commitment in their particular fields, demonstrating their value to their communities.'