The quest to find the Best Food Town in the Westcountry came to a Climax in an Oscar-style awards ceremony at Exeter's Royal Clearance Hotel

After visits to more than 20 towns and villages across the Westcountry, a panel of select judges declared a Moorland town the Best Food Town in the region at a glittering awards ceremony. They Awarded Tavistock the accolade and even awarded the town extra points for its "energy, enthusiasm, and commitment". Judith Ward, of the regional Development group, who was one of the judges, said " They didn't just tick every box in terms of the criteria we were assessing them on - they had gone a lot further that that. Their links between food, farming and tourism had been demonstrated at every part of the community. We had to give them 11 out of ten for enthusiasm, energy and commitment because every aspect was visible".

"The very fact that communities have told us that the competition has acted as catalyst for them shows that it has been a great success." Tavistock were overall winners after claiming the large town category over Bridport in West Dorset. The Isles of Scilly claimed the best village category above Modbury and Stokenham. Judges were impressed by the standard of the large rural community category. They presented a joint prise to both Crediton and Marazion. Truro pipped Exeter to the post for best city and Topsham scored a few marks above Lostwithiel to claiming the best small town.

John Taylor, of Tavistock Forwards said" This is for the whole of the Tavistock community. Everyone worked so hard - for the farmers, to the schools to the providers. " The main thing is that that community has been fantastic - 120 people were involved on the final judging day, which just goes to show that Tavistock is the best foodie town in the region and we strive to place the emphasis on buying local food in and around the boundaries of West Devon". John Dixon, of the Tavistock Eatwise committee, said " We intend to build on this award by ensuring that the benefits of local food are enjoyed by everyone in our community. This can only have a beneficial effect on our farmers and food producers  who are so important to our local economy."  Sophie Hughes, who collected the award for the Isles of Scilly, said "We are absolutely thrilled. We would just like to thank all the producers and the community of the island, but it is really an honour tonight to be able to receive the award on behalf of everyone who has involved in the judging process. "

Russell Holden, town clerk form Truro, said: " This is not just for the people who work and live in Truro, but for the South West and the way the region has progressed since I have lived here. When I first arrived you couldn't even find a decent pint of ale, but now if I want to go out I certainly have to book because I wouldn't be able to get into a restaurant of my choice.

Moorland town completes a hat trick of awards

Having claimed the titles of the Best Market Town and Best Farmers' Market in Devon, Tavistock was on a roll. Its next bid was to claim "Best Food Town" and make it a hat trick of awards. "Local Food" - they told the judges, " is not a new concept" to the Tavistock area. Throughout its history, the town has played host to markets where an abundance of local produce has been traded between farmers', growers, and the local populations. John Taylor, of Tavistock Forward, told the judges: "For centuries, the fertile valleys of the Tavy and Tamar river s have yielded a variety of fruit and vegetables , while Dartmoor has provided sheep, cattle and game.

"This tradition of providing local produce for local people was consolidated 900 years ago in 1105 with granting a Charter to hold a market, which still going strong today, trading five days a week. "Our organisation was set up for the reason the name suggests, to take the town forward, and in turn making it a better town to live, work and enjoy." Although over the border in Cornwall they may disagree, the people of Tavistock also claim it to be the birthplace of the original cream tea, with evidence that monks at Tavistock Abbey served the delight to travellers as far back as the 11th century. As recognised by the panel of judges, local food flourishes throughout the area with a thriving cattle market, a regular farmers' market, and numerous restaurants and cafes to suit all pockets and tastes. Specialist shops and stalls nestle amid independent greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers and delicatessen-all which contributes to the Campaign to Protect Rural England's 2004 award of  "Best Market Town in Britain".

Mr Taylor said: "We intend to build on this success by consolidating Tavistock as the best local food community. We already have schools and care homes that are exemplars at using local produce. We have a list of top restaurants to rival big cities, but we also want all the smaller cafes and takeaways to embrace the local food ethic. "Under our Eat Wise...Eat Local banner we have a range of initiatives aimed at getting local people to cook, eat and enjoy their local food. Past, present and future, we are confident that Tavistock is the best local food town in the South West."

By Rebecca Short, Westcountry News