BRIDESTOWE now has a brand new bus shelter, thanks to the village branch of the Women's Institute which chose it as their millennium project.

Bridestowe WI dedicated the shelter to the memory of Elsie Barkell, who died in 1999 aged 94.

Mrs Barkell's son, Howard, performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the grand opening, attended by the WI county chairman Tanya Haycox, parish council chairman John Leonard, and WI members and guests.

Mr Barkell said his mother had always been interested in all aspects of Bridestowe village life, as well as the WI.

The president thanked West Devon Homes, the Countryside Agency and transport co-ordination department of the county council who were all principal funders of the project.

Thanks also went to the Leawood Estate which provided stone for the shelter and to local builder Darren Baker.

Mr Leonard thanked the WI for the bus shelter, which he hoped would provide an information point with notice boards, as well as a place for rest and shelter.

Refreshments at the Riverside Tea Room were enjoyed by the guests and provided by Chris and Alex Heron.