THE Devon branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England is inviting church communities and primary school children from across the county to enter competitions to celebrate some of the things that make Devon so special.

CPRE Devon has launched three separate competitions this spring and hopes to be inundated with entries.

Devon’s Best Churchyard Competition 2018 aims to recognise and reward churchyards that provide a peaceful, well-managed haven for people and wildlife.

The organisation says historic churches are central to life in Devon’s rural communities and form a unique part of our cherished landscape.

It adds that in some parishes they are the only places to remain unchanged since Saxon times.

The judges will be looking for attractive, welcoming churchyards where nature is allowed to flourish, and wildlife is actively encouraged.

The competition is free to enter and closes on Monday, April 30. Entry forms can be downloaded from: www.cpredevon.org.uk .

CHILDREN’S COMPETITIONS

The other competitions are a Spring Writing Competition and Summer Painting Competition for children.

CPRE Devon’s new countryside ambassador, Barney the Bull, is helping to promote some great activities for primary school children in KS1 and KS2.

By entering the Spring Writing Competition or Summer Painting Competition, children can earn themselves a Devon Countryside Ambassador badge just like Barney’s.

Entries to the Spring Writing Competition close on Friday, March 30 and for the Summer Painting Competition the deadline is Friday, June 22.

Full details and entry forms for both competitions can be found at: www.cpredevon.org.uk/introducing-barney-the-bull .

Penny Mills, Director of CPRE Devon, said: “We want to actively encourage people to celebrate all that is special about our precious land and seascapes.

"We hope children – and the young at heart – will engage with our new mascot Barney. He’s looking forward to receiving lots of wonderful entries!”