A small hospice has beaten some of the country's biggest names to be crowned Charity of the Year in a major national awards ceremony.

North Devon Hospice was awarded the top honour at the Third Sector Awards, recognised for its commitment to providing exceptional end-of-life care and emotional support to patients and their families.

The charity was shortlisted alongside prominent institutions including Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Royal British Legion, but came out on top due to what organisers described as "making the biggest difference possible".

Stephen Roberts, chief executive of North Devon Hospice, said the accolade came as a shock.

"It was quite a shock to hear that we had just been named the top charity in the whole of the UK," he said. "But this award is fully deserved, for all our incredible supporters across the community, the volunteers who give so much of their time, and our staff who are always going above and beyond to provide the best care possible. We are so proud to be putting North Devon on the map, showing how the power of this community can achieve amazing things."

North Devon Hospice provides specialist care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and offers support to their families at every stage. One of those receiving care is 33-year-old Katy Rodgers, who is living with terminal cancer.

"There is so much more support on offer from the hospice than I ever realised. It's made such a difference to me, so I think this award is very well deserved," she said. "When I found out that my cancer had spread, and is now life-limiting, it was a lot to process. But the hospice has been there for me, with counselling sessions to help keep me level-headed, and even physiotherapy to help me live well and independently."

Katy added that having a dedicated hospice nurse who visits her at home is a huge comfort.

"It's really comforting, knowing that North Devon Hospice will be there for me every step of the way, and will help my friends and family come to terms with it all too."

Donna DaSilva, one of the hospice's community nurses, said it was an honour to work for an organisation making such a tangible difference.

"I feel very lucky, as a nurse, because I get to help people at such a crucial time in their life," she said. "It's a privilege to visit people's homes across the area and build relationships, getting to know them and learning how I can help. I'm incredibly proud to work for North Devon Hospice, because I see how everyone pulls in the same direction."

The award comes amid growing challenges for the sector, including increasing demand for care and tighter fundraising conditions. Mr Roberts acknowledged that while the recognition is significant, the need for public support remains vital.

"More and more people need the care of North Devon Hospice every year, but it's harder and harder to raise the funds required to provide it," he said. "We've had to be smart in how we reach more people with our care, as well as how we raise enough money, and that's why our work has been recognised in this way.

"But without the ongoing support of the community, we cannot provide this vital care, which is relied upon by over 2,000 local people every year."

People can support the charity by visiting www.northdevonhospice.org.uk.