WOOLSERY Community Hall has been rewarded for its carbon reduction.

The hall was the winner of the 2008 Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Carbon Reduction trophy.

The hall has had solar panels installed, a wind turbine, introduced a waste separation and recycling system, and has a policy of sourcing food locally wherever possible.

DEBI judge Mark Hodgson described the hall as a "brilliant model for other communities to replicate."

Three other North Devon organisations won finalists' trophies, all for using solar power to generate electricity or heat water, alongside other sustainable initiatives.

These included Ilfracombe Junior School, Millbrook Cottages at Higher Bickington and the Yarde Orchard Cafe on the Tarka Trail.

DEBI Chairman Andy Vickery said: "It's great to hear so much good news from Devon businesses despite the economic climate.

"More and more firms are finding that green initiatives can give them a major marketing edge, and at the same time help to keep their energy bills and other resource costs to a minimum."