Debbie was born and bred in Salcombe, and is married with two children.
She runs the Cater Cove Hair and beauty salon on Market Street, and she has over 15 years of hairdressing experience.
She has been chair of the Salcombe Regatta committee for four years and on the committee for 12 years. She dedicates an extraordinary amount of time to the town’s annual regatta, in full swing this week, which sees up to 25,000 visitors flocking to Salcombe.
In the past, Debbie was a committee member of Salcombe Preschool and of the Rugby Minis team, as well as volunteering and giving time to many other projects and events in the town.
Manager of the Tourist Information Centre Deb Ward, who nominated Debbie for the award, said: “For such a young person to have done so much for the town alongside her family and business is incredible.
“It was a difficult decision to nominate the citizen of the year, there were so many different candidates to choose one. We’re very lucky to have people like this in our community.
“Debbie works so hard for Salcombe. This award is very well-deserved.”
The 2016 citizen of the year was awarded to chair of the Salcombe Minibus, Tim Mattocks, for his instrumental work in providing the vital service to the town.
Debbie will receive her award at the town’s civic lunch at the Harbour Hotel in October.