THE Duchess of Cornwall has been elected as president of the Devon County Agricultural Association for 2008.

The Duchess will preside over the 2008 Devon County Show, of which the Prince of Wales is the association's patron.

Mervyn Hosking, DCAA Secretary, said: "2008 is a special year in the Association's history.

"We are delighted to welcome back The Duchess of Cornwall after the overwhelming success of her first visit in 2005."

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the show on their first major public engagement to the South-West following their wedding.

Both are well known for the passion for rural life and their environment.

On her visit to the show The Duchess will see the people and industries that make the Devon countryside what it is.

The DCAA has elected Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter as deputy president.

Mr Hosking added: "The Bishop is a committed voice for Devon, where he has a particular interest in rural issues including the future of the countryside, farming, tourism and the quality of local food."