RESIDENTS in a small West Devon village are celebrating after being presented with the runners-up title in the Best Kept Village in Devon competition, run by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and Mole Valley Farmers

It is the first year Black Torrington has entered the competition, but the judges were wowed by what they saw, proclaiming it to be 'a model of the ideal village' in a glowing report.

Penny Mills, vice-chairman of the parish council, said: 'We took the decision to enter the competition and now we are really thrilled that we are runners-up in the small villages section.

'Having never entered it before, it's great news.'

Black Torrington received three visits from the competition judges before the results were finally released.

'The visits are unannounced, so you don't know when the judges are coming, so they saw the village exactly as it always is,' said Penny.

'Black Torrington is very lucky because we have lots of facilities for such a small place — we have the school, the post office, the chapel, the playing ground — there's a lot here for such a small place, and it always looks very neat and tidy.'

In a report that was full of praise for Black Torrington, the judges said: 'Rarely does one have the pleasure of visiting a Devon village which manifests such a caring and vibrant community, where not a single aspect of life and activity is neglected, but rather encouraged and enhanced.'

The judges said that during their visits, there was not a single piece of litter to be seen and all the public amenities were clean and welcoming. The war memorial was in 'perfect order', the village hall was 'exceptional', the churchyard 'exemplary', the children's play area 'excellent' and the village website was 'well-designed, vigorous and up-to-date', while the village shop and pub provided valuable services to the community.

The judges said: 'There was an air of welcome, good management and social discipline throughout the length of the village.

'It requires a strong sense of commitment — and leadership — to create the environment and community that is Black Torrington.

'The prominent notice "Help keep our village great" is a worthy statement of the community pride which must surely bring its reward.'

Black Torrington was runner up from the 60 villages that entered the competition.

They were just pipped to the post by Branscombe, who beat them by two points.