THERE was cause for celebration amongst Devon’s young farmers this week, after winning the prestigious Prince of Wales Trophy for their outstanding charitable work. 

The Prince of Wales trophy, which was donated by His Majesty King Charles (the former Prince of Wales), was awarded to Devon for raising a whopping £172,365.04 for charities and worthy causes. 

With 1800 members, it means the group raised the equivalent of just under £100 per member, an outstanding achievement given the relative size of Devon YFC. 

Rosie Bennett said Devon was proud to have been awarded the trophy during the Coronation year: ‘This is an absolute honour because this trophy has been donated by what was The Prince of Wales, our now King. 

‘I feel incredibly honoured, especially as it’s his Coronation this year and we’re celebrating that later on in May. 

‘We raised so much money for charity and I’m so proud of our members getting involved and doing that.’

Vicki Gilbert, Chair of YFC Devon, said: ‘We’re thrilled that Devon was awarded the HRH The Prince of Wales Perpetual Challenge Trophy for charitable fundraising! What an incredible achievement for our County.’

It’s estimated that YFCs raised just under £2m for worthy causes last year. Within Devon’s fundraising efforts, the South Devon group contributed over £41,000, with Newton Abbot YFC events putting in £1,600. This was raised through a variety of events, from BBQs to breakfasts, tractor runs to pantomimes.

More recently, Newton Abbot YFC has done even better, earning £700 in their tractor run across Dartmoor and over £1000 at a big breakfast in Ilsington last month.