Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “We would like to thank all the agencies and local businesses for their help and support in accommodating the 120 young farmers following the fire at the Bancourt Hotel. The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) event management team has a great infrastructure to support their members during these events, and having these plans ensured that the necessary arrangements were put in place quickly.  

“We would also like to thank the Riviera International Conference Centre (RICC) for accommodating the farmers at short notice and providing food and drink. Thanks also goes to the Leonard Stocks Centre for providing additional bedding, the Grand Hotel and Corbyn Head Hotel for towels and additional accommodation on Sunday night and Primark which opened up early for our officers to source appropriate clothing for those who were displaced.

“Feedback from our partner agencies is that this year’s event went extremely well and the young people were very well behaved.  I have met with the organisers and agreed, in principle that the event will return to the Bay in 2020.  We look forward to welcoming the young farmers back in future years as events like this are a great boost for our tourist economy and local businesses.”