THE village of Sheepwash has been awarded the 2014 title of Best Kept Village in the small village category by Devon's Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

It was the second year in charge of the Best Kept Village entry for parish councillor Mike Ritson, who said he was 'delighted' for the 'generally happy village'.

He said: "I think the categories for judging range right through to having nicely kept houses and gardens and fronts to much more sort of social networks in the village."

He said the 'social networks' include the websites for the parish council and parish magazine, the Sheepwash Chronicle and the many activities that take place in the village hall, such as lunches, quizzes and parties.

Cllr Ritson also spoke about the river ground nature reserve, community composting and allotments people hold and said 'we are going to be greener still next year'.

He added: "We are going to improve the park for children's play and we want to improve the mowing of the little paths at the nature reserve.

"We are delighted with the win and I keep giving thanks to the villagers. Some don't think they have contributed but they have because they have contributed with a smile."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.