RESIDENTS of Winkleigh have been celebrating after the village community centre was given to them by Devon County Council.

The centre, which is a Grade II listed former primary school, has been declared surplus to the council's requirements.

It is used by more than 20 groups as a community centre, including the parish council, young farmers' club events, mother and toddler groups and adult education classes, as well as a weekly market, heritage archive and a police liaison point.

Roger Smith of CCOWS, the Community Centre of Winkleigh Support Group, said he was delighted that the centre will get a complete refurbishment.

'It's fantastic that the building will have work done on it and it is great that the residents of Winkleigh will feel they have a say on the centre which will be partly theirs,' he said.

The centre was built in 1835 and began running as a community centre in 1973, after the primary school moved to another location in the village.

The handover of the centre means it can be transformed into a new centre, available to charitable and non-profit organisations.

Councillor and leader of Devon County Council, Brian Greenslade, said: 'I am very pleased that Devon County Council has been able to transfer this building to the local community.

'It is a real legacy for future generations in Winkleigh.'

The community centre has seen around 18,000 people a year come through its doors.

County member John Rawlinson said: 'This is excellent news for Winkleigh.

'The community has worked hard to get to this position and I'm delighted they have come up with a business plan which is sustainable and will enhance the hall.'

The hall will be used as a non-profit organisation, which will continue to provide an excellent facility for the parish and the community.