EAST Devon College in Tiverton will merge with North Devon College in Barnstaple - making it the largest college in Devon, it has been announced.

The Mid Devon college revealed in July that it was seeking a merger partner following an Ofsted report that judged leadership at the college inadequate.

Ten learning institutions expressed an interest in merging with the college and a short-list of five made a presentation to the board of governors.

Maria Edwards EDC principal said she is pleased with the decision and said the merger would be "a journey to excellence for Devon's rural communities."

"North Devon College has been judged by Ofsted as an outstanding college and will add the passion for learning backed up by a proven track record in delivering success to the people and businesses of East and Mid Devon," she said.

"We will begin work immediately on the quality of learning opportunities for existing and prospective students here in Mid and East Devon."

Redundancies were made at the college in a restructuring of courses earlier this year.

The college currently provides training and education for 800 full-time students, 300 apprentices, 2,000 part-time students and 130 businesses.

John Chudley, area director for the Local Learning and Skills Council in Devon and Cornwall said: "We now look forward to working with both colleges to enhance the quality of provision and believe it will bring positive benefits to learners, employers and the community in and around the East and Mid Devon area."

At the presentation given to the Governors of East Devon College, David Dodd, principal of North Devon College, celebrated East Devon College's community culture, location and staff.

He said: "By building on these strengths both partners will make East Devon College an outstanding College at the heart of an outstanding learning community.

"It is perceived that the next few years will be a great and exciting time for the people and businesses of East, Mid and North Devon with the merged colleges being central to the economic, cultural and social development of our rural communities".