Located within easy walking distance of the Taw and Torridge estuary, the tiny village of Westleigh boasts a population of only about 350 souls.

It occupies a quiet, elevated site where cottages cluster around the church, the inn and the cricket field.

On clear days, views of the coast can extend as far as Lundy island.

Despite the close proximity of Bideford (2 miles south) and Barnstaple (7 miles north), the village nevertheless maintains the ethos of a rural idyll.

It's a place where the residents always have time to stop and talk and where typically, polite drivers give a friendly wave when passing.

One of the narrow village streets

The village has traditionally been an agricultural community, although there are records of coal mining having taking place there.

At one time, the village was almost entirely owned by the Tapeley Estate, where most of the villagers worked.

Some parts of the village still belong to the Christie Estates and the beautiful house and gardens at Tapeley Park are immediately adjacent to the Parish.

There are no longer any shops in the village and the Post Office finally closed in March 1999.

Happily the inn, now called the Westleigh Inn survives.

Back in the 1850s, there were two blacksmiths, two millers, three boot and shoe makers, three masons, three carpenters, an innkeeper, a tailor, a shopkeeper, two butchers and two teachers.

Inside the church at Westleigh

There was also a Wesleyan chapel, now converted into a private dwelling.

Much of the village social life revolves around the Westleigh Inn and the Village Hall.

In this context, activities such as Line Dancing and lessons in the use of computers take place in the hall, together with mother and toddler groups.

Due to its friendly atmosphere, the range of its ales and fine food, the inn attracts customers from across the region especially for its carvery each Sunday lunchtime.

Photographs by kind permission of Westleigh Parish Council.