EAST Budleigh is celebrating winning an award in the Best Kept Village competition. The village came out tops in the best past winner category after judges praised its continued community care.

EAST Budleigh is celebrating winning an award in the Best Kept Village competition.

The village came out tops in the best past winner category after judges praised its continued community care.

East Budleigh beat past winner Witheridge to the winning title.

A spokesperson for the awards said: "East Budleigh was outstanding with noticeable improvements in the care of public amenities and private properties."

The competition, in its 39th year, is organised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

The winners each received �100 worth of Mole Valley Farmers tokens and a shield and board to display in the village.

The aim of the competition is to reward community spirit and picturesque charm.

The competition spokesperson said: "For some villages, it becomes a source of pride to make sure that, when the eagle-eyed judges come round, everything is spick and span.