The Big Breakfast at The Guildhall helps the Devon Federation donate more than £88,000 to charity this year

Serving up fried breakfasts at Axminster helped bring home the bacon for the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs this year.

The group’s recent annual meeting heard that more than £88,000 had been raised for charity during the past 12 months. Members of young farmers clubs across Devon raised the money during the year through various fundraising events, including a charity rugby game held by Bradworthy YFC, a big breakfast held by Axminster YFC and an 80-mile coast to coast bike ride challenge by members in Newton St Cyres YFC.

The money was donated to local and national charities throughout the year.

Claire Bellew, retiring county chairman said: “‘It has been a brilliant year with fundraising throughout the county, and members have been getting creative with challenges and events to raise money for a number of deserving charities. The overall total raised is a real credit to the members of such a fantastic organisation.”

Charities are chosen by club members and differ year on year. Devon Air Ambulance is regularly supported, and this year was no exception as members donated more than £17,000 to the organisation.

Other charities supported by the members included Children’s Hospice South West, the Laura Persey Trust Fund and the Farming Community Network.

Caroline Creer, fundraising director at Devon Air Ambulance said: “We are extremely thankful for the continued generosity from Devon Young Farmers who have been incredible supporters throughout our history; in 2017 we celebrated 25 years of our service which has only been made possible due to the fantastic support we receive from the friends of Devon, such as Devon Young Farmers.

“ We look forward to maintaining our fantastic relationship with them as we continue to grow and develop our service.”

It has been a busy year for the Federation which included the launch of the ‘Growing Safer Farmers’ campaign at the Devon County Show in May where the Young Farmers tent also won Gold for the best feature in the show.

David Fursdon, Lord Lieutenant of Devon, was re-elected the Federation’s president and Colin Tucker, of Chittlehampton YFC, was voted the new county chairman.

For more information about the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, visit www.devonyfc.co.uk