THE Cornwall & Devon Countryman’s Fair has given a record amount of money to charity.

The event was held last August at Werrington Park, Launceston.

At the presentations reception held on Friday, January 20, at The Arundell Arms, local organisations received their donations from chairman Charles Huntington-Whiteley.

Among those present were PCs Steve Stoppard and Danielle Hill, who accepted a cheque on behalf of the Launceston Police Cadets, and Sonia Clements and Rachael Allen, who received a cheque for the Launceston Voluntary First Aid Service.

The main charity chosen for 2016 was the West Country Rivers Trust, whose chief executive, Dr Laurence Couldrick, outlined the trust’s work in the Tamar Valley and expressed his delight at the substantial help the trust had received.

Another major beneficiary of the Fair was Werrington Cricket Club, whose members work so hard stewarding on the day. In total, more than £26,000 was given away.

Bouquets were presented to Mrs Sarah Williams of Werrington Park and to Mrs Anne May-Somerville, who, with Mrs Debbie Hext, had provided a superb lunch in the VIP tent for the show’s judges and patrons.

Show secretary Jenny Smith said: “We are most grateful to all those who contributed to the success of the fair. I would especially like to thank our president, Mike Williams, for his wisdom and experience, and Alison Hawes, who has just retired from being regional director of the Countryside Alliance, whose help for many years has been invaluable.

“Rob Tetley had a record turn-out of trade stalls this year, assisted by Sally Harvey who advised on our new Farmers Market for local food and drink producers.

“I must also mention William May Somerville and Dave Chapman who worked hard to prepare the pond for fishing demonstrations, George Hext for marketing the fair and Paul Jenkins for taking on our Facebook page which took off.

“It was a glorious day, which everyone enjoyed enormously. We have been able to give a lot of money to local charities, the past two events have been particularly successful. I am so proud to have been part of this team effort. I had the best tutor in Roger Pook.”