CENTRAL Devon is one of the largest parliamentary constituencies in the country and I work very hard to get out to as much of the patch as often as I can.

And it’s been a busy few weeks visiting all types of organisation, learning about local issues and seeing first hand some of the fantastic things that are going on in our towns and villages.

Recently I spent time with three primary schools in Yeoford, Chudleigh Knighton and Hatherleigh. As well as presenting prizes to finalists in my Christmas card competition and talking to some of the older children, it was a great opportunity to speak to some of the teachers to see if I there were any issues I could support them with.

A couple of weeks ago I also held discussions with Queen Elizabeth's School in Crediton meeting with representatives of the Ted Wragg Trust who run the school.

I am pushing hard to get an early, and hopefully positive, response from the Secretary of State for Education on funding for some vital repairs.

In Bovey Tracey, it was great to meet representatives from the charity Rapid Relief Team. I was shown their new catering vehicle, which they are using to provide food and disaster relief support to charities, emergency services and other community organisations in Devon.

In North Tawton I caught up with another great community organisation, this time the local rugby club. I’ve been supporting it with its funding bid for making the club more sustainable with solar panels and EV charging points, which will be available for the whole community to use.

It goes without saying, we also have a huge number of brilliant businesses in Central Devon, who are helping to grow our local economy by providing jobs and investment in our communities.

One that really stands out from my recent visits is Careflex based in Heathfield near Bovey Tracey which design, manufacture and market mobility chairs. I was really impressed by their plans to grow their business, and it was excellent to learn that their products are being manufactured right here in Devon.

I also found time to visit the new police front desk in Okehampton. An excellent new resource for the town.

And finally, I always make it a priority to meet regularly with our local Councillors who are busy supporting our communities in West Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve held discussions with our County, District and Town Councillors to hear about their casework and local issues -  everything from special educational needs to adult social care and much more.

There is lots going on in Central Devon with so much of it hugely positive. I am looking forward to meeting with many more people, businesses, charities and community groups over the coming weeks and months.