HOLNE has a hedge-producing hero whose free offer for the volunteer-run village tea room and community shop has won first prize in a Devon competition.

Earlier this year local hedge-layer Ross Gray gave his time and skills for nothing in return to help the newly-established facility.

Now both are flourishing with Mr Gray’s effort picking up honours in a countywide competition run by the Devon Hedge Group.

He will receive his Open Class prize at a presentation ceremony at Holne next Thursday.

Tea room and community shop committee member Simon Chater was delighted with the achievement.

‘It’s great for the village,’ he declared, adding: ‘The tea room and shop are doing very well. It’s quite a success story.’