TIVERTON'S Tourist Information Service has won the Bronze award for the Tourist Information Service of the Year award at the Devon Tourism Awards 2014.

To reach the final, the service went through a three-stage judging process, including assessment of their websites and entry forms, mystery visits and a final independent judging panel.

The judges said: “This is a small, clean and enticing TIC. The person I talked to is clearly passionate about her town and its surroundings.”

Andrea Rowe chairman of trustees said: “When people drive into Beck's Square off the Link road and want to find out what there is to do in North and Mid Devon and when local people want to buy coach tickets and book local theatres, the Tiverton TIC is there to help.

“So many of them have told us how good it is and this Award is the icing on the cake.”

Pippa Griffith, Museum Director said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition for our two Visitor Information Officers, Carrie Thomas and Mary Davey, and the many volunteers who staff our front desk and help with a wide range of enquiries.”

The fifth annual Visit Devon Awards took place on Wednesday, November 19 and was hosted by Radio Devon's Judi Spiers.

Held at the brand-new 'Palazzo' at Highbullen Hotel, Golf & Country Club near South Molton, the Visit Devon Awards, now featuring 18 award categories, celebrated the strength of Devon's tourism offer as a county, as well as the strength of the competition entrants and winners.

Carolyn Custerson, Chair of Visit Devon, says of Devon tourism and the Awards said: "Devon tourism is strong. This was shown in our success this year in the Visit England Tourism Awards, with seven national winners, more than any other county, and no more so than at this year's Visit Devon Awards.

“It is this success, that we should all focus on and this year's finalists should feel very proud.”