THE team at Crediton Community Bookshop are delighted to be joint winners of The Prince of Wales’ Award 2017, a scheme run by the Devon County Agricultural Association, organisers of the Devon County Show, which runs until tomorrow (Saturday, May 20).

The Crediton Community Bookshop and the Children’s Summer Club, a street-based youth club in Barnstaple, both aim to promote literature and literacy for the benefit of people in mid-Devon.

The chairman of the Judges, Lady Arran, said that, such was their quality, it had proved impossible to separate the two projects, and that it had therefore been decided - with the approval of the Duchy of Cornwall - that this year’s award should be shared.

"They are so very different, but what they have in common is, first of all, a shared determination to improve the quality of life for people in their respective areas, secondly, a strong focus on young people, and thirdly the fact that they are both making a real difference for the better.

"They both epitomise what the Prince of Wales award is all about."

The Crediton Community Bookshop (CCB) is much more than just somewhere to buy books!

Its aim is to promote both literacy and literature and, in particular, to foster a love of reading among children, a passion shared by its Patron, Michael Morpurgo.

Manager Dee Lalljee and Cathie Holden, who lead the Schools Outreach programme, explained to the judges the range of activities which the CCB promotes, including book launches, book signings, meet and greet events with authors - including Michael Morpurgo - workshops and a summer children’s reading club.

The judges were particularly impressed by the fact that the CCB’s outreach programme takes in many very small schools in rural areas, as well as large secondary schools.

Dee Lalljee said they were honoured to be joint winners: “We are very proud of this recognition for our schools outreach programme, and the talented and passionate team of volunteers who make this happen.

"This award will enable us to deliver more author visits and literary events, and to inspire in children (and grown-ups too) a love of books and reading!”

The Children’s Summer Club, which has been operating in Barnstaple for many years, organises a range of activities for both primary and secondary age children during the school holidays.

The joint winners of the Prince of Wales Award will receive £500 each and a framed certificate and have been invited to a presentation in the main arena at the show tomorrow (Saturday, May 20).