SHEEPWASH and Bratton Clovelly have proven themselves to be among the nicest villages in Devon, having both been recognised in the 'Best Kept Village' competition run by the Devon branch of Campaign for Protection of Rural England. Sheepwash was the winner of the best kept small village category, with Bratton Clovelly finishing runner up in the same category. Ashwater was also recognised as the best new entry to the competition. Mike Ritson is the co-ordinator for Sheepwash's Best Kept Village entry. In a message to villagers he said: 'This year, people have worked in all sorts of ways, big and small, helping to make Sheepwash continue to be a happy and attractive place. We certainly have a lot of ownership of the friendships and pleasures of living here. 'All over the village front gardens are still looking great, there are lovely window boxes, tubs, hanging baskets, house painting, and the telephone box library. There is a new thatch, a cleaned and weeded village square, and the repaired war memorial. 'The Sheepwash sign is still shining, community activities run in the village hall and pub, Jubilee Park is looking green and pleasant, and even a pop-up tea and cake café runs at an open window. 'It would be completely wrong to claim all these have been done merely to win the competition, but entering the competition and formalising our efforts for the summer months raises our awareness and energies within the community. Look at the results. 'So, brilliant work by lots of villagers and well done us. Many thanks for the efforts and support from many, all over the village.' The various best kept village competitions stem from the CPRE's anti-litter campaign, which started in 1926. The aim of the campaign was to encourage refuse collection in rural areas during the advent of food and drink packaging, and the sudden and concerning increase in waste. Since then, CPRE branches have incorporated extra criteria such as the protection of wild flowers and community orchards. Penny Mills, chair of CPRE Devon, said: 'CPRE Devon is deeply engaged in the wildlife issues that affect our beautiful countryside and we are very aware of the need to create and enhance natural habitats. 'Our Devon's Best Kept Village competition, which has been a much-loved and well-supported competition over many years, has never been about 'chocolate box' villages, but about villages doing their best with what they have and being thriving communities in which to live. 'Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the villages who took part this year from right around the county.'