PEOPLE power has saved a village surgery from the axe.

Bishopsteignton residents were furious when it was revealed that the only medical surgery was to close, meaning a trip to Teignmouth.

But they formed an action group, and there was jubilation when it was announced this week that health bosses had done a U-turn.

Local councillor Alun Williams said it was a great Christmas present, and villagers were jubilant.

'It really is wonderful news. There was real despair about the closure, and very little optimism that the facility could be saved.

'But Cllr Roger Hunt, the chairman of the parish council, rallied support to campaign to save the surgery. There was overwhelming support from all quarters, and even the doctors were taken aback by the amount of opposition to the plan.

'The working group worked really hard to put our case to the health authority, and shows what can be done when people organise and campaign for something they really believe in.'