LoveMyDevon X Factor Finallists Unveiled – Winner to be Announced Shortly VIDEO
Barney Sutton group
The three finalists that are now competing to win a £10,000 cash prize for promoting Devon, include a surfer and an Irish ex-mayor.
Judges chose the winners of the first round of Lovemydevon, who have each received £2,000 for shouting about their passion for the county throughout January.
Whoever attracts the most publicity will win the cash prize.
Watch Video: VIDEO
The judging panel, which includes celebrity chef Michael Caines announced the trio who will compete and they have all been working to get Devon the most exposure,.
They are Anne Tattersall, 48, a former mayor of Torrington; 25-year-old surfer Helen Blackman, a surfer who runs a website promoting North Devon, and three men in their twenties from South Devon.
Barney Sutton, who is part of the only group to make the final, along with friends Dick Smith and Jona Ahearn, said: "We feel absolutely fantastically brilliant about getting through to the final."
The trio impressed the judges with a polished pitch on how they would distribute a rewrite of Frank Sinatra’s Cheek to Cheek, with lyrics tailored to fit Devon. They plan to approach the region’s celebrities to each sing a line of the song for a video, and they have already recruited Michael Caines.
Ms Tattersall, who works for the Big Sheep in North Devon, is planning to break the record for baking the world’s largest scone as part of her campaign. Mrs Tattersall, who served as mayor of Torrington in 2000, said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to get through. Here I am with Irish blood in the heart of Devon – it’s such an honour to get through."
Ms Blackman, who runs Wildcurl.co.uk, a website which features events in North Devon, is inviting her readers to get in touch via the site with suggestions on how best to market their county
She said: "I was speechless when I was told I was in the final three, and I talk a lot. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of it all. It’s a fantastic opportunity."
Michael Caines, who runs the two-Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park, said: "They are all very different characters, and they have a good grip on how diverse Devon is."
The counting is now taking place…
Further information: LoveMyDevon
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