Two contrasting yet equally significant community projects have won this year's Prince of Wales award.

The award is given by the Devon County Agricultural Association, organisers of the Devon County Show, to celebrate community stability in Devon.

They are the Children's Summer Club, a street-based youth club in Barnstaple and the Crediton Community Bookshop, which aims to promote literature and literacy for the benefit of people in mid-Devon.

Chairman of the judges, Lady Arran, said that the quality of the two groups meant it was impossible to separate them.

It was therefore decided, with the approval of the Duchy of Cornwall, that this year's award should be shared.

Lady Arran said: "They are so very different, but what they have in common is, first of all, a shared determination to improve the quality of life for people in their respective areas.

"Secondly, a strong focus on young people, and thirdly the fact that they are both making a real difference for the better.

"They both epitomise what the Prince of Wales award is all about."

The Children's Summer Club has been operating in Barnstaple for many years, and organises a range of activities for both primary and secondary age children.

The club, run entirely by volunteers, means that children aged eight to 16, can take part in everything from sport and outdoor activities.

Children are encouraged to put something back into the local community and take part in action days, litter-picking, forestry, creating murals and putting on entertainments for residents.

Christine Brennan, secretary of the club, said: "It is wonderful to receive recognition for the work of the Club.

"The award will help raise our profile and, hopefully, attract new members and volunteers, and encourage networking with other community organisations.

"We will use the prize-money to subsidise activities for local young people."

The Crediton Community Bookshop aims to promote both literacy and literature and, in particular, to foster a love of reading among children.

The judges were particularly impressed by the fact that the bookshop's outreach programme takes in many very small schools in rural areas, as well as large secondary schools.

Dee Lalljee said: “We are very proud of this recognition for our schools outreach programme, and the talented and passionate team of volunteers who make this happen.

"This award will enable us to deliver more author visits and literary events, and to inspire in children a love of books and reading.”