FLOOD defences in South Zeal were tested recently, as part of a nationwide flood defence exercise.

Residents of the village took an active role in Exercise Watermark to test out the village's new flood protection measures, which exceeded all expectations.

During the exercise, a team of residents put up watertight gates to seal doorways, as well as interlocking barriers to protect driveways to properties at risk of flooding from Ramsley stream.

The stream has in the past become blocked as it passes through a culvert under the road, flooding properties in the middle of the village.

A sewer pipe which crosses the culvert can trap debris flowing down the stream, causing flooding.

West Devon Borough Council was successful in winning funding from DEFRA and has been working closely with the parish council, residents, and the Environment Agency to deliver the flood protection measures to affected properties.

Parish clerk for South Tawton Peter Brotherton said: 'It was a really encouraging evening. We now know that, by working together, we can protect the vulnerable homes in the village in a fairly short time.

'We are indebted to Jackie Smith, West Devon Borough Council's development and flood risk engineer, for getting us to this point.'

Ms Smith expressed gratitude for the individual property protection grants from the Environment Agency.

She added: 'The evening's exercise showed that, with South Zeal's cooperative community spirit, they can now help themselves should they need to.'

Volunteers in the community have formed a flood defence group and have organised themselves to react if flooding is likely, alerting other residents and helping install the gates, barriers, pumps and generators where necessary.

Villagers have been trained in the use of the equipment by its suppliers.