Pyworthy beef and sheep farmers Andrew and Alison Musson, who have fostered around 90 children, have been named as the South West NFU’s regional community heroes as part of this year’s Back British Farming Day celebrations.

The Mussons, who were nominated for the award by Sir Geoffrey Cox, Conservative MP for Torridge and West Devon, are unsung, modest heroes. Andrew’s parents fostered many children, and that tradition has stayed with the Mussons to this day.

They play an invaluable role in providing safe and supportive homes for our community’s most vulnerable children and over the years, some ninety children have been through their doors. They still take in mothers and babies on a regular basis.

Sir Geoffery, who nominated the Mussons said: “Their tireless and exhausting work has continued despite Andrew suffering badly from bowel cancer for the last five years, While he is thankfully in full remission after major surgery, he and Alison have continued their great work as if nothing happened.

“Their abiding and invaluable contribution to society has changed the lives of some of Devon’s most desperate children, and I am proud to nominate them for this award in recognition of that extraordinary service.”

The Mussons were presented with their award at the Back British Farming Day reception at Westminster.