A Topsham couple have received a special award for their work renovating their historic home.

Paul and Kathryn Russell have restored the formerly run-down Hayloft Coach House, at Follett Lodge, by the River Exe, to its former glory.

As a reward for their efforts, they have been presented with this year’s Enhancing Topsham Award by the Topsham Society.

Follett Lodge is a listed building which dates from the 1700s, and the Hayloft has been restored using period timber from St Thomas School, in Exeter, and an authentic slate roof.

Kathryn Russell said: “It feels very good to win this award. If you live in an old property a lot of the work you do isn’t seen, but with the Hayloft it has been in the public eye.

“When we moved in the doors were hanging off, and it’s the sort of project that when you buy a house you’re itching to do.

“At last we’ve got round to doing it, keeping as much of the old structure as possible, and now the Hayloft has come into its own.

“We’re very satisfied with the results, and it’s very nice that people think it looks good.”

The Topsham Society’s David Woods said: “Each year the Topsham Society marks a significant improvement in the town’s physical environment with the Enhancing Topsham Award.

“The judges felt that Paul and Kathryn’s restoration work on the Hayloft was a worthy winner.”