ONE of West Somerset's most rural youth clubs has beaten off competition from across the region to scoop a top award at this year's Royal Bath and West Show.

The Exmoor Community Youth Club was named the winner of the Prince of Wales Award 2015 on the show's opening day on Wednesday.

The top accolade, which recognises the club's outstanding contribution to improving the lives of the local community, brings with it a £1,000 prize, a cut glass engraved bowl and a certificate signed by Prince Charles.

Laura Tasker, one of the club's two youth workers, was at the show along with 13-year-old Georgia Hutchings and her brother Callum, ten, who have been members since the club was set up in 2009.

"They were presented to Prince Charles' representative Lord Fellowes and also had lunch with the dignitaries," said club trustee Cathy Nicholls.

"It was all exciting, memorable and awesome.

"We are absolutely over the moon. We never expected to win over competition from as far away as Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Bristol.

"It shows that Somerset rules and Exmoor in particular."

The club was visited by a team of judges earlier this year who were able to look at a series of displays and photographs and learn more about its vital role in the local community.

Mrs Nicholls said it was set up with the aim of providing a protected, welcoming and inclusive environment for children aged from six to 18.

She said Exmoor was recognised as having one of the highest incidences of rural poverty, social isolation and poverty-related health issues in Britain.

"The club redresses some of these problems by meeting on 50 evenings of the year and offering many extra activities throughout the holidays.

"We run on a very tight budget of just under £10,000 a year so the £1,000 prize will be very welcome."

The 50-strong members were planning to celebrate their success this evening (Friday) with a cake party.