East and West Worlington have been named among Devon’s best kept villages in a countywide competition.

Tiny villages recognised in annual countywide competition.

East and West Worlington have been named among Devon’s best kept villages in a countywide competition.

EAST and West Worlington have been named among Devon’s best kept villages in a countywide competition.

The twin villages, near Witheridge, were named runner-up alongside Cheriton Bishop in Mid Devon and Thurlestone in the South Hams.

The winning villages were Talaton in East Devon; Newton St Cyres in Mid Devon; and South Pool in the South Hams.

The 43rd annual Best Kept Village Competition, sponsored by The Campaign to Protect Rural England Devon Branch (CPRE) and Mole Valley Farmers, recognises villages deemed to be doing the best with what they have.

East and West Worlington have been named among Devon’s best kept villages in a countywide competition.

Villages were scrutinised by judges from May to July.

“The competition is not about finding the prettiest looking village in Devon,” said Diana Moyse from the CPRE.

“Villages had to ensure they were tidy and looking well cared for; they also had to show how and what they do to sustain and maintain their amenities, their environment and their community life.

“In the current climate – whether economic, social or meteorological this is no mean feat.”

Steve Baber, chairman East Worlington Parish Hall Management Committee, who co-ordinated and organised the villages’ application, said: “It was a brilliant surprise to learn about our achievement in the Devon Best Kept Village 2012 competition.

“I think it is very exciting for the community as it recognises what a fantastic place it is to live.

“The physical environment for East and West Worlington provides a setting of immense natural beauty; the area is steeped in rich heritage and the people form a community that supports each other and enters into many community-based activities.

“We saw the competition as a way to recognise and celebrate our community, irrespective of the results of the competition, however, it is not without a sense of pride and extreme pleasure that I learn that others consider our community to be worthy of recognition and award.

“Our thanks go to CPRE for organising this competition annually and for the judges who give of their time to visit so many places across our county.

“My thanks also go to all the people in our community who do so much to make it a good place to live.

For information about entering the 2013 competition, visit www.cpredevon.org.uk in early November.