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From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, December 15, 2006
One lucky voter who took part in the Greatest Devonian competition will be receiving a hamper full of Devon goodies in time for Christmas.
Robert Hicks from Newtown in Exeter voted for Francis Drake in the six-month-long quest launched by Devon County Council.
The competition was eventually won by Show of Hands who beat Drake into second place, as well as pipping Agatha Christie and Sir Joshua Reynolds to the post.
The two musicians, whose work captures the essence of modern community life in Devon, romped home with over a third of the 5,000 votes.
All voters were eligible to win one of four hampers for their efforts. Mr Hicks will enjoy a £30 Christmas Chocolate Gift Hamper which is full of Devon-produced luxury confectionary.
Robert Hicks said: "I voted for Francis Drake because of his victory over the Spanish Armada - without his seafaring skills the course of history for this country would have been totally different."
Robert Hicks will be presented with the hamper by his local Councillor, Richard Westlake, who said: "Mr Hicks' choice, Sir Francis Drake, is of course one of the most famous Devonians, as well as amongst the greatest. He netted a sizeable amount of the votes."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Robert Hicks will be presented with his hamper by Cllr Westlake at 4.15pm on Wednesday 20 December, at County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter.
- Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
- Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey
- Budget £800 million
- Key investments include:
- Schools £349 million
- Adult and Community Services £164 million
- Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
- Children and Young People £101 million
- Other important County Council support includes:
- Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres
- Political make-up:
- County Council seats: 62
- 33 Liberal Democrat
- 23 Conservative
- 4 Labour
- 2 Independent
- Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009
- Key stats:
- Population: 741,000
- Schools: 365
- Pupils: 96,200
- Children looked after: 584
- Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
- Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
- Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
- Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
- Bridges: 3,500
- Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
- Streetlights: 71,000
- Illuminated road signs: 10,917
- Recycling Centres: 20
- Recycling rate: 49.21%
Figures may be subject to change
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