AT the annual Federation of Small Businesses council awards, Mid Devon District Council was named "best overall scheme to stimulate and encourage your small business community".

This recognised the establishment and successful, continued operation of Business Forum Mid Devon, which now has more than 70 members since it came into being in September 2011.

Peter Hare-Scott, Leader of the council, who has been involved in the Forum from the start, said: "I am very pleased that the council has been recognised for its work with the small businesses in Mid Devon, but equal praise should go to all those active members of the Forum from the business community, who continue to keep this project alive.

"I am, therefore, proud to hand over the award to Rhys Roberts, current Chairman of the Forum, for safe keeping."

The award can be viewed at the home of the Business Forum, the Best Western Hotel, Tiverton.

For more information about the Business Forum Mid Devon go to http://www.bfmd.org.uk">www.bfmd.org.uk .