THE Crediton area is experiencing an outbreak of superlatives: everywhere you look there are banners and signs proclaiming "we are The Best!" Not in everything, of course, but in the core areas of . . . secondary education, estate agency and cheese-making . . . the Crediton area is definitely excelling. In recent weeks Helmores, QE Academy and Quickes Traditional Cheeses Ltd have all been celebrating their outstanding practice. Quickes' cheese scooped yet another prestigious award but, for the record, in the latest British Cheese Awards their Vintage Cheddar came top among all British cheddars at this year's British Cheese Week's flagship event at the Royal Bath and West Show. The world-renowned farm – on our very doorstep at Newton St Cyres – held an entertaining and educational Open Day recently as part of Open Farm Sunday, where visitors could learn how their cheeses are made and matured. It was more of a surprise to see the bold notice outside QE Academy, displaying the claim that its Sixth Form is the "Best in the South West". Their office staff were most helpful in explaining the criteria by which they out-performed all independent schools and grammar schools this side of Bristol. Essentially, QE comes out top for "added value". This means that their Sixth Form pupils, according to Ofsted data, have on average travelled the greatest distance, academically, to achieve their final grades. Sure, selective schools like Colyton Grammar School and some private schools get higher absolute grades, but much of QE's achievement lies in the excellent work it does in helping those with special learning needs achieve good results. However, this is not at the expense of the academically gifted, for whom they run another programme which, in turn, is reflected in a high proportion going on to leading UK universities. Crediton's most prominent estate agent, Helmores, has produced a new range of gold and red For Sale boards to celebrate its own "Best in the South West" award. This is an industry award which aims to recognise estate agencies that demonstrate outstanding business practice Helmores came top in a category for businesses that operate from a single office. The judging is on the basis of a written submission followed by an exhaustive telephone interview for the short-listed entries. On the awards website, the judges drew attention to the impressive number of staff employed at Helmores, along with the exercise gym installed at the office especially for their use – and the hamper of local produce presented to every new buyer on the day of completion. There's service for you! Paul Vincent Western Road Crediton