A LAST call is going out to community groups and environmental initiatives across Devon to enter this year’s Prince of Wales Award, organised by the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA).

The Award, which carries a top prize of £1,000, is intended to recognise and encourage community projects, schools and small farm business diversification projects which are seeking to educate and involve young people in sustainable initiatives.

“Concern and interest in environmental issues has probably never been stronger,” said Richard Maunder, Chief Executive of the DCAA.

“We know that there are all sorts of exciting things happening across Devon, as community groups think global - on issues like plastic pollution of the oceans, or climate change - but act local, so as to make a real difference.

“We want to highlight all of that good work, as well as lending a helping hand, but to do that we need entries, and the more the better. So come on, all of you community groups and local partnerships - help us to show the world that it’s not just the grass in Devon that is greener than anywhere else!”

Previous winners have included Crediton Community Bookshop, a co-operatively organised village shop and a local allotments project.

Entrants can be urban as well as rural.  Two years ago the award was won by Park Life Heavitree, a project which has re-invigorated Heavitree Pleasure Ground in Exeter.

Besides the prize-money and a certificate signed by HRH the Prince of Wales, the award offers the opportunity to raise the profile of projects, attracting new supporters and opening up new avenues.

The application form is straightforward to complete, and can be accessed via the Devon County Show website: www.devoncountyshow.co.uk .

Applications close on March 21.

The Devon County Show is one of the South West’s most iconic and enduring annual events attracting up to 95,000 people.

The 2018 Devon County Show will be held on May 17, 18 and 19 at Westpoint, near Exeter.