PEOPLE in Morchard Bishop are pleased to learn that their village is winner of the Best Kept Village in Devon, New Entry category 2013, in the competition organised by the Council for the Protection of Rural England and Mole Valley Farmers.

Judges carried out a wide ranging inspection of the village from community buildings and private dwellings and gardens to notice boards and grass verges. Nearly all received favourable comment. The allotments produce vegetables and flowers in abundance.

The judges praised the village shop and café run by Matthew Reid and Clare Radburn for its good range of fresh products, wines and groceries, good opening times and the lovely smell of fresh pasties.

They were impressed with the excellent state of the public footpaths for which most credit must go to Julie Rudge, Morchard Bishop Parish Paths Partnership co-ordinator.

The playing field, football pitch and bowling club were all in excellent condition.

At the London Inn Vera Gillbard provides facilities for recycling.

St Mary's churchyard is very well kept by Richard Jackson with mown paths and wild flower areas. Judges also congratulated the number of volunteers on the church flower rota. In the centre of the village the St Gatien Twinning Garden is immaculately tended by Howard Jones.

Morchard Bishop Parish Council with chairman, Keith Davies and secretary, Bob Patten, were praised for various fund-raising initiatives including the sponsorship scheme to raise money to renovate the war memorial.

The free monthly village newsletter, the Morchard Messenger, keeps everyone informed of all village activities and advertises useful businesses.

It is hoped that Morchard Bishop will celebrate its success with a presentation evening later in the Autumn.