DEVON Communities Together (DCT), the community council for Devon, which supports communities across the county, largely in rural areas, is the Nominated Show Charity at the forthcoming Mid Devon Show.

The 24th Mid Devon Show will take place at Knightshayes and Chettiscombe near Tiverton, on Saturday, July 22.

The Show includes non-stop activity from 9am until 5.30pm and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Currently DCT is fundraising towards its Love Devon appeal which is, mainly, building a fund to help protect village and community halls across the county, assist in the delivery of affordable housing for people who want to stay in their home villages, support local schemes to keep shops, pubs and essential services operating as well as enable it to continue with its work across the county.

It also creates local employment opportunities by encouraging entrepreneurship and promotes healthier communities through involvement and information sharing.

The Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of Crediton, the current Show President, nominated the charity after hearing of its good work across the county.

Volunteers will man a stand at the Show explaining what DCT does and there will also be interactive activities for children.

A prize draw will also be held and donations will be accepted for the charity.

Elaine Cook, DCT chief executive officer, said: “Our work is diverse and widespread.

"We cover so many themes and topics, so it’s often difficult for us to quickly outline what we do.

“But whatever we are working on and whoever we are working with, we do it because we Love Devon.”

“We see the Show as a major opportunity to get the message out about who we are and what we do.

"Collecting donations via the familiar charity bucket is a fund-raising activity that we don’t normally do but we’re looking forward to this wonderful opportunity.

"Whether we’re advising a Parish Council about staff recruitment, helping a community seek funds for a new village hall, or providing training and networking skills for rural entrepreneurs, we are doing it for Devon because we Love Devon."

Alan Quick