WEST Devon entrants have been successful in a county-wide competition focussing on hedgerows.
The Devon Hedge Competition aims to encourage farmers and the public to look after the county?s hedges.
Top West Devon placed entrant was Walter Leach from Inwardleigh, who came second in the best hedgerow trees across the whole farm class. Prizes in this class were awarded because of work to maintain and improve hedgerow trees on a farm.
Tom Hynes, one of the competition?s judges, said: ?Hedgerow trees play an important part in Devon?s landscape and can be very dramatic. Many of our hedgerow trees have got old and need replacing. Some people are doing very good work looking after and replacing old trees with new ones and we wanted to recognise that.
?Mr Leach has a small property but had some beautiful old trees, including an oak of 30 or 40 years. He?s making a huge contribution to the landscape with both old and new trees and really deserved a prize.?
A number of West Devon residents did well in the best hedge photo class. Robert Pendleton of Chagford came third with a photo of a hedge at Sandy Park, Chagford.
Commendations went to Les Bennett, Chillaton, H A Dawkins, Dousland, Sheila Downs, Brentor and Ron Oldale, Northlew.
The competition attracted 58 entries from across the county and is designed to promote Devon?s hedgerows, which are vital for farming, landscape and tourism.