A cross-Channel swimming teen and a hedgehog lover are among West Devon’s top citizens being rewarded for their community spirit.

West Devon’s mayor Cllr Paul Vachon presented mayoral awards to groups and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities in the borough.

The awards celebrate outstanding people deserving of public recognition for their unpaid work or contributions to their community in the borough. Their contributions are many and varied but what they have in common is the big difference they have made.

At the presentation ceremony Cllr Vachon, said: “In West Devon we are blessed with having so many people and groups with foresight, empathy and dedication to help and support our communities.

“They deserve public recognition, but quite often do not seek it. These awards are our way of saying thank you. Your contributions to our communities are an inspiration to us all.”

The West Devon Mayoral Award for under-18s winner Barnaby Ryder, of Mount Kelly College in Tavistock, has been recognised for raising the profile of West Devon at both local and national level through a solo channel swim. Barnaby swam 21 miles across the English Channel, raising more than £5,000 for the ManUp? charity which supported men’s mental health.

The over-18 award went to Tracey Gyllenship for her outstanding commitment to supporting people living with fibromyalgia. The chronic disorder causes widespread pain all over the body and other debilitating symptoms like fatigue, muscle stiffness, problems with mental processes and insomnia.

The over-18 award commendation went to Roy Young who is involved with many projects and groups in Horrabridge and has helped to shape the village community over many years.

The mayoral award for an organisation was presented to the Drewe Arms Community Pub Committee which won the award for saving The Drewe Arms and turning it into a community pub.

The cherished listed village pub in Drewsteignton closed in 2022 and has since reopened, supported by villagers who help in the bar, with front of house, in the kitchen, gardening, maintenance and DIY and more. Their work has fostered village community spirit.

Tavistock Library was also recognised in this category for being a vibrant community hub and an outstanding asset to the town and surrounding rural area, whose contributions go far beyond the traditional role of a library.

The mayor’s green award was scooped by Pam Pemberton for setting up the Okehampton-based hedgehog sanctuary, Greatfield Hedgehog Rescue which rescues and cares. Her compassion, commitment and enthusiasm for our prickly garden visitors rubs off on all who meet her and she has a strong volunteer base who care for sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs.

The mayor’s long service award was presented to Edwina and Robin Hill who have contributed significantly to Belstone village community, as well as to Devon charities more widely.

The couple have lived in Belstone for well over 40 years. Throughout this time they have been actively involved with the village hall, and have also been trustees of the Mary Budding Trust, a charity supporting children with additional needs in West Devon.