IT is official Exmouth Indoor Market has been recognised as the best in the country and crowned Small Market of the Year 2009. The National Association of British Market Authorities said Exmouth market was a cut above the rest when it recognised the wor

IT is official - Exmouth Indoor Market has been recognised as the best in the country and crowned Small Market of the Year 2009.The National Association of British Market Authorities said Exmouth market was a cut above the rest when it recognised the work the 50 stallholders play within the community.The town's market faced the scrutiny of a five-strong judging panel before it was announced Exmouth's facility was the overall winner.The market came out on top after proving it played an active part in the community, worked closely with the town, and had a lively market atmosphere.Market manager Jerry Miller's forward-thinking initiatives - working with local farmers and producers to offer rent-free periods to encourage development of the local food sector - caught the judges' imagination when it came to choosing a winner.Mr Miller, whose family set up the market in 1980, said competition had been strong this year."We are over the moon. It's fantastic for everyone at the market, from the stallholders to the staff and the caretaker. It's a wonderful award for them," said Mr Miller. "It's already having a positive effect on people wanting to open stalls here."The market was one of the first Exmouth businesses to recycle all its cardboard, glass and plastic waste.It used biodegradable bags and later introduced re-useable linen bags.Mr Miller said: "It's great to be recognised for all the hard work we have put in. "We try hard to keep it neat and tidy for shoppers and we are proud of the market and to be recognised as one of the best in the country is great news."I would like to see more food stalls and that is why we are working with local farmers who specialise in local Devon produce."I think it's the market's responsibility to help the farmers.