‘A BIT of something for everyone” was how one resident described the lure of life in Kilmington after hearing it had won Devon’s best kept village 2OO7.
  The prestigious accolade was awarded to the village near Axminster by Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) after beating off competition from 67 other hopefuls to win the large village section.
 Judges visited it unannounced and described Kilmington as a ‘loyal and long standing entrant”, and said that in winning, it had “achieved a high mark”.
   Upon hearing news of the success, David Lavender, owner of the village post office, said: “I was born in the bed I sleep in now so I'm a proper Kilmington lad!
 I’m not surprised it’s won as it's got a bit of something for everyone.
 A good cricket club and pitch, plenty of things for the elderly to do, the WI, lots of organisations, plenty to do for everyone and a good community spirit.”
 Duncan Culvin, landlord of the New Inn pub, said: “The village has a good local feel, it’s off the beaten track but is alive, not like some touristy towns. It’s got a great social side to things, it’s an active village with a thriving social scene and a really nice community.
 It’s a proper old English village and it is not just how picturesque it is, it’s the people who make it what it is.”
 Linda Heighway of Brooklands Farm Close, said: “The main thing about it for me is we have a fantastic vicar and church.
 “The church is the centre of village life and the hub of everything.
  “I’ve lived here for 38 years and the spirit is wonderful and the people really try at everything they put their hand to.
  “It’s great news.”
 Rosalyn Kriteman, CPRE organiser, said: “We had more villages than ever enter this year’s competition and the judges have put a vast amount of time and effort in.
 “They were not looking for beauty or fine architecture but for the best kept village all round.”
 A presentation will take place in the coming months where a certificate, shield and street signs advertising the village’s success will be awarded.
 The competition’s sponsors, Mole Valley Farmers, will also present £100 worth of vouchers to spend on the village.
 lain Chubb, district councillor for Newbridges ward which includes Kilmington, said: “I am very pleased that Kilmington has won this award.
 “It is a village that shows what can be achieved with community spirit and an active well run Parish Council.
 “There is a genuine feeling of pride in this village with an active involvement by all age groups and organisations.
 “All clubs and societies have active participation, and local businesses are well supported by the inhabitants of the village, this all helps to promote this unique community spirit.
 “This hard fought competition has numerous parameters and Kilmington has ticked all the right boxes with the judges, from amenities, appearance, cleanliness, character, and general environment; to name a few.
  “As the recently elected Newbridges councillor, I consider
Newbridges to be the best ward in East Devon, this title that Kilmington has achieved backs up my thoughts.
 “I would like to wish Kilmington congratulations on a successful result.”