TWO Tavistock children have won the annual Letterbox Trail competition at the National Trust's Buckland Abbey for 2009. 

Drawn at random from more than 1,500 entries, Catherine and Matthew Dowle (right) were presented with their own hand-made letterbox by National Trust warden Andrew Wrayford.

The Letterbox Trail re-opened on a new route for 2010 last Saturday, along with improved way-marked walks. Visitors can again follow clues to find the stamps hidden around the abbey's historic estate and place their entry for the new season's competition.

For the first time, Buckland Abbey is opening seven days a week, which makes it an ideal time to visit the estate and house, and take part in the new season's trail.

Visitor services manager Jonathan Cummins said: 'The letterbox trail and estate walks are a great way for all the family to explore the grounds, and are open everyday until the end of October.'

Buckland Abbey estate, garden, restaurant and shop is open everyday until October 31 from 10.30am until 5.30pm. Former home to Cistercian monks, and Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Francis Drake, the abbey now has a combination of furnished rooms and interactive museum galleries for all the family to enjoy. Admission to the abbey is £8.60 adult and £4.30 child, with National Trust members free.