West Devon Borough Council is celebrating after the borough was recognised as the third friendliest place to live in the UK.

The ranking was featured in The Guardian newspaper and is based on a new index of all 296 local council areas, drawing on government data from the Community Life Survey.

It measures the strength of community life by looking at how often people speak to their neighbours, feelings of loneliness and belonging, pride in the local area, and participation in civic life.

The recognition highlights the strong community spirit found across West Devon’s towns, villages, farming and rural communities, where residents, businesses and community groups work hard to support one another and take pride in where they live.

Local business communities also play an important role in bringing people together and supporting vibrant high streets, helping to make West Devon a welcoming place to live, work and visit.

Cllr Mandy Ewings, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: “We are delighted that West Devon has been recognised as the third friendliest place to live in the UK. It is wonderful recognition for the borough and a real credit to the people who make West Devon such a welcoming place.

“Across the borough, residents, businesses and community groups work hard to support one another and take pride in where they live. As the leader of your council, I am extremely proud of the role we play helping create the ambiance for communities to thrive, whether that is supporting local projects, investing in community hall improvements, protecting and enhancing the landscape as well as helping get new facilities such as the Okehampton Interchange built.

“It’s also a testament to our fantastic hospitality sector and local independent businesses, which give visitors such a warm welcome and helps showcase everything that makes West Devon unique. We hope this recognition encourages even more people to visit, especially as this is the 20th anniversary of the inscription of UNESCO’s Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.

“Congratulations to everyone who has helped make West Devon one of the friendliest places to live in the UK. It is something everyone in the borough should be proud of.”