DEVON has a fantastic number of volunteers and voluntary organisations, said the High Sheriff of Devon, and representatives of four received extra-special recognition from her during the last days of her office.

Grania Phillips, who rears award-winning Red Ruby Devon beef on their farm at Colleton Manor, Chulmleigh, with her husband Simon, said at the simple ceremony at her home that, being a farmer, she had been particularly interested in organisations that supported farming and mental health.

She said farmers often had a real problem with mental health, they were usually isolated and often did not share problems, and did not talk.

One organisation that helps is Farming Community Network whose co-ordinator is Colin Smallacombe of Down St Mary with assistant co-ordinator Joanne Jones, who received an award.

Another organisation was Farm Wise whose chairman is Deborah Custance-Baker. Farm Wise was set up by Devon County Council and is designed to put children in touch with where food comes from and the people who produce it.

"Despite Devon being an enormously rural county there are still children who do not know where their food comes from, apart from the supermarket or shop," said Mrs Phillips.

In addition to the event which takes place every autumn at Westpoint and is attended by around 1,500 children, Farm Wise is planning to extend its reach by investing in a trailer which can take educational material, including live animals, to primary schools around the county. An award was presented to Mrs Custance-Baker.

Another organisation was the Police Cadets whose members had acted as car park stewards that afternoon.

Presenting an award to Percy Giles of Citizens in Policing looking after the Cadets, volunteers and Specials, Mrs Phillips said this "brilliant" organisation gave young people a chance to learn to work together, to learn new skills.

Her fourth award went to Lt Col Leigh Skelton Commandant Devon Army Cadet Force and Lt Col Aimee Mitchell Deputy Commandant.

Mrs Phillips thanked Police Cadet William King of Exeter who has been the High Sheriff’s Cadet for her year. Car park stewards were Mid Devon and Exeter Volunteer Police Cadets.

The Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon thanked Mrs Phillips for "being a great High Sheriff”.

The afternoon was attended by a number of Mayors and council chairman from around Devon.