A colourful Devon duck swam to the winning post and gained first prize in a children’s competition to design a mascot for this year’s Devon County Show on May 21 to 23 at Westpoint, Exeter.

Talented Annabel Pagliero, of Lady Seaward C of E Primary School, with her 'Devon Duck', beat nearly a hundred entries submitted by Lady Seward and Clyst St Mary primary schools.

The judges - Jon Williams from Farm Wise Devon, Josh Beadon from design company Toucan and Emma Watson, Show administrator – said the standard of entries was very high.

Emma said: “It was a very difficult decision and all the pupils should be commended for the great effort and thought that went into their designs. From the ‘super hero’ animals and vegetables to the fabulous detail on horse braids – all had their own merit and message to share about the Show!’ The duck is being applied to the children’s Show trail boards which will guide youngsters around the showground. All the entries will be on display during the Show in the Wadsworth Pavilion as part of the new Farm Wise Devon feature.

The runners up were: 2 – Woolly Will by Emily Pattison (Lady Seaward C of E Primary) 3 – Tractor by Rosie Raybould (Clyst St Mary Primary) The Show is joining forces with Devon County Council's "Farm Wise" initiative to create an area where schoolchildren can learn everything there is to know about where their food comes from.

More than 95,000 visitors are expected for what promises to be an entertaining and informative event celebrating Devon food, farming and country life.

Attractions will include: Magnificent animals of all shapes and sizes – even bees!

Delicious local food and drink – to eat and bring home Non-stop entertainment including the Bolddog Lings motocross display team A shopaholics’ paradise with outlets spanning 4 x 4s to country clothing to hot tubs and pots and pans Farm Wise Devon for children Inspirational Westcountry crafts and handicrafts Spectacular floral and garden displays and demonstrations Traditional, historic steam engines and vintage vehicles The family-friendly Show is offering two children per paying adult free entry on Saturday (May 23rd), the first day of half-term.

Parking is free and extensive and, since last year’s Show, tens of thousands of pounds have been spent on the car parks.

For more information, visit website www.devoncountyshow.co.uk or call the tickets hotline on: 01392 353700.