TO CELEBRATE its 10th birthday North Devon Homes kicked off with a celebration day at its offices with staff and visitors enjoying a slice of birthday cake and invited to enter the first of 10 prize draws this year.

North Devon Homes was created to manage 3,100 North Devon Council properties in 2000, in a transaction worth over £44 million.

Its 10-year celebrations will comprise 10 events or projects throughout 2010, including 10 prize draws for customers, sponsorship of the North Devon Show and Barnstaple Carnival.

Chief executive Martyn Gimber said: "Over the past 10 years we have established ourselves as a very successful and respected business both locally and nationally.

"Throughout the 10-year period we have been busy investing in our homes, improving services and providing new homes to our customers.

"As a business we have worked closely with local businesses and communities across North Devon and thank all of our partners in helping us achieve our first ten years.

"We look forward to building on our success and will be aiming to improve our business."