A scheme to restore Shaldon's renowned botanical gardens to its former glory has been given a major boost, thanks to a £10,000 windfall.
The money will be used to repair a pond and stream system that runs down the 'secret' beauty spot, on a slope between the village and the main Torquay Road.
It used to be one of the main features of the gardens until the pond sprang a leak and the watercourse became overgrown.
Cllr David Cox was instrumental in helping to obtain the grant from Devon County Council's fund from the sale of Exeter Airport, described the location as 'a tranquil and unique place' that had suffered neglect over the years.
He said: 'Sadly, some of the finer plants species have gone, and many of the features are in need of refurbishment.
'I know the Friends of Shaldon Botanical Gardens work very hard to carry out improvements, so I hope this grant will help them in their restoration project.'
Lisa Pash, of the friends, said that gardeners used to run ahead of the creator, Maria 'Laetitia' Kempe Homeyard, and turn on a tap to start the water running downhill.
'This grant of £10,000 gives an amazing opportunity to restore and enhance this centrepiece.
'We are working with the Teignbridge parks department to plan how best to carry it out.
'Forming a green backdrop to Shaldon, the attraction has secret garden qualities that surprise and delight all who visit.'
Cllr Cox added that the gardens provided stunning views of Teignmouth across the river, and to the east Devon and Dorset coastline in the distance.
The gardens were built by Thomas Rider of Southwark, London, in the late 1920s and early 1930s, for Mrs Homeyard, the widow of William Newcome Homeyard, the inventor and manufacturer of Liquafruta cough syrup.
The friends are always looking for volunteers: find out more from the Green Spaces team via [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01626 215885.