A food and arts hub in Otterton has scooped gold in a regional awards competition.

Exmouth Journal: Otterton Mill. Ref exe 31 19TI 9235. Picture: Terry IfeOtterton Mill. Ref exe 31 19TI 9235. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Otterton Mill won in the Café/Tearoom category of the Taste of the West awards and ranked in the top eight gold winners throughout the South West.

The 1,000-year-old mill will go through to the final, when the best café in the whole of the South West will be decided.

Chris Wright, who has run Otterton Mill with his wife Carol for four years, said: "We are absolutely delighted to win gold again this year.

"We've won gold in each of the four years since we've been here.

Exmouth Journal: Otterton Mill. Ref exe 31 19TI 9236. Picture: Terry IfeOtterton Mill. Ref exe 31 19TI 9236. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

"To be also through to the final for South West Café of the Year is wonderful news."

A recent £500,000 investment in the mill's facilities means that the business is running 'better than ever'.

Mr Wright said: "We have added a larger, improved farm shop, smart new toilets and we have resurfaced the car park."

The Taste of the West judges said: "Otterton Mill is a fantastic draw for the local area.

"It promotes local produce really well and is proud to do so.

"The food is fantastic with an excellent sandwich menu.

"The buildings have been tastefully expanded - this is now a 'go-to' place on the foodie map."

As well as offering lunches, teas and snacks, Otterton Mill still grinds wheat using traditional stones powered by a watermill using water from the nearby River Otter.

The historic site is home to a bakery and its produce is for sale in the mill's farm shop.

There is a thriving gallery selling art, crafts and gifts.

Owned by the Clinton Devon Estates, Otterton Mill is mentioned in the Domesday Book and milling has been carried out here for more than 1,000 years.

"We are very fortunate to be able to continue the proud tradition of milling grain using waterpower," said Mr Wright.

Milling days give people a chance to see the mill in action. The next one is on Thursday, September 26.

Otterton Mill, dubbed the 'mill that rocks' by the Guardian newspaper, also hosts music evenings.