A parish council has been named as a south west builder's 'community champion'.

The leading developer behind the Cranbrook expansion scheme, Persimmon Homes South West, has given Broadclyst Parish Council a grant of £1,000.

The parish council is one of the latest recipients of the Community Champions award after it successfully applied for funding to start a Little Free Library in Tithebarn.

This project lines up with their broader goal of creating more outdoor community spaces across the parish, including Tithebarn. The aim is to boost social cohesion and reduce isolation as well providing positive spaces for newer residents.

The library's location has been chosen to be the entrance of Persimmon's Cherrywood Grange site.

Broadclyst Parish Council already backs another Little Free Library in Westclyst, which has demonstrated its benefits and is set to be the model for Tithebarn.

Apart from this, the funding will also facilitate the planning of a community garden and generate more volunteer opportunities to support health and wellbeing projects in Tithebarn.

The council has agreed to a £500 budget for the project while seeking additional funding from local authorities and grant funders.

Persimmon Homes has a record of supporting good causes, donating £700,000 annually to valued organisations across the country.

The beneficiaries have included Broadclyst FC, Cranbrook Town Council, Hospiscare, and the English Riviera Airshow.

Stacey Harris, sales director at Persimmon Homes South West said: "We have a significant presence in Cranbrook and Broadclyst so we’re always looking for strong applications from local organisations there to support.

"So, we were delighted to have had this proposal submitted by Broadclyst Parish Council because all our customers at Cherrywood Grange will be able to benefit from this scheme.

"This continues Persimmon’s strong streak of Community Champions donations in the area as we deliver a positive and lasting legacy alongside the much-needed high-quality homes we are building."

Cllr Henry Massey, chairman of Broadclyst Parish Council added: "Broadclyst Parish Council strongly supports initiatives that bring community benefit, especially those which are free at point of use.

"We look forward to installing the Little Free Library shortly and are very grateful to Persimmon for its commitment to supporting our growing community at Tithebarn."

High-quality homes are currently available for purchase from Persimmon at two sites, including Cherrywood Grange in Tithebarn and Galileo at Cranbrook with prices starting from £249,995.