Contestants vie to promote Devon

BREWERS, bakers and historians were among a variety of hopefuls bidding to win £10,000 by displaying their passion for Devon in X-Factor-style auditions.

Judges including celebrity chef Michael Caines and Western Morning News reporter Louise Vennells were delighted with the diversity of talent shown by contenders they saw in the second round of the LoveMyDevon auditions.

The contest is searching for a shortlist of three groups or individuals who will each receive £2,000 to promote Devon throughout the month of January, using all forms of media available.

The winner will be based on whoever secures the most publicity for the county.

Yesterday the applicants at the audition in Exeter's Abode Hotel included a mother-and-son team from Otter Brewery, a Lancashire painter who has adopted the county as her home and two zany promoters who tailored the lyrics of a song to highlight Devon's charms.

Nicola Poultney, chief executive of VisitDevon, organiser of the competition, said she was "extremely pleased" with the standard shown by contestants.

"We have seen some really serious contenders for the final three," she said. "What is really exciting is the diversity which reflects the different qualities that are abundant in this county.

"We have seen people from across the age range and social spectrum, which is really what we were hoping for."

WMN reporter Louise Vennells added: "I was pleasantly surprised with the passion and knowledge that so many of the contestants showed about this great county.

"Some championed food and drink, others showcased the beautiful countryside and others chose to focus on the cities and the people that make Devon so special.

"I'm now really looking forward to the final judging session in Plymouth on Saturday and I hope the standard remains as high."

The last round of drop-in auditions will take place at Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium between 10am and 5pm on Saturday.