PRINCESS Anne urged more support for affordable rural housing schemes in Devon as she praised the achievements of two Devon areas, including Holsworthy, at the Community Council of Devon's annual conference in Woolfardisworthy on October 20.

The Princess flew into Woolfardisworthy (Woolsery), to hear about the successes and challenges of building affordable houses for locals. After her helicopter landed in the playing fields next to the award winning Woolsery Community Hall, the Princess was presented with a posy by Alice Harding and Lily Shere from Woolsery Primary School.

In an inspirational speech to the conference she called on rural communities to 'crack on' with affordable housing developments saying they could 'make a huge positive difference' to those living in rural areas. "I would strongly encourage those who have thought about it to give it a go," she said.

The Princess Royal also presented Rural Housing Awards to Pam Johns from Holsworthy Community Property Trust and Irene Matthews of High Bickington Community Property Trust in recognition of their outstanding contributions towards providing affordable rural housing in their areas.

She praised the work of their teams saying that she hoped that these incredibly successful projects would "act as an inspiration to others."

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