Almost 150 women from the county attended a Women of the Community event last week to share stories of the work they do supporting their communities, including Dartmouth resident Hilary Fyson.

She was recognised as one of Devon’s inspirational women who have made a difference at the event held on Friday, March 8.

Chair of Devon County Council, Caroline Chugg hosted the event to celebrate unsung female community champions. All the invited women had been nominated by their communities.

The two events at County Hall, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, celebrated those women who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others, who have made a difference in their communities or achieved excellence in their field of expertise.

Hilary contributes her time and energy to the community in a variety of ways. She is chair of the Dartmouth Library Friends and runs the weekly work club to help people into employment.

As well, Hilary works as a confidential assessor for Citizen’s Advice for which she also helps to raise funds.

Many people in the community will recognise her from the box office at the Flavel or at the till in the Community Bookshop in Higher Street.

Hilary said: “There’s an army of people who volunteer to support the local community in Dartmouth without seeking recognition, but I am delighted that Cllr Chugg’s initiative may help to raise awareness of all our efforts and encourage others to join in.” She was awarded a certificate of appreciation.

At the event, the guests heard from a variety of speakers including: Cllr Chugg; Daphne Dowsing, the former regional president of Soroptimists; firefighter Laura Hutchings and Proud to Care Devon Ambassadors, Gill Smith, Sophie Carmody and Sharon Wilkinson.

High Sheriff Grania Phillips and the Vice Lord Lieutenant Lady Arran were also in attendance.

Among the women in attendance were teaching assistants, charity fundraisers, support workers, emergency services personnel, youth workers, sports coaches and members of parish councils.

Cllr Chugg said: “This event was for every woman in Devon-there are so many who work under the radar, every day, to improve the lives of others.

“Originally the event was to be held in the afternoon - but over 280 women were nominated we also held an event in the morning so that more people could attend.

“That tells me just how much these women are valued in their communities.

“They do what they do, not to be recognised or applauded but because they care about their communities.

“Today was about saying thank you to those women and what better time to do it than on International Women’s Day.”