Superstar comedian Joan Rivers has raved about the "fabulous" people and stunning scenery she encountered on a visit to the Westcountry.

The world-famous New Yorker received a warm welcome when she visited Devon at the weekend.

She posted pictures of herself admiring pretty thatched cottages and enjoying tea and cake and a traditional pub welcome to her 800,000 followers on micro-blogging website Twitter.

The iconic celebrity, known for her brash sense of humour, told fans that she was visiting friends because of a bereavement, saying she was "so happy to go, but so sad for the reason".

Once in the West, the 78-year-old seemed both shocked by the cold winter weather and charmed by the landscape of Dartmoor.

She posted a picture featuring a stunning cottage, and enthused: "I ADORE the English countryside. Look at the thatched roof!!! So gorgeous."

She also recommended the White Horse at Moretonhampstead, for the "best pizza", "lovely people" and "fabulous ice cream".

The comedian's comments prompted replies from some of her followers, who said they would love to holiday in Devon after seeing her pictures.

But Ms Rivers appeared to feel the cold, despite wearing gloves and a glamorous full-length fur-style coat in one of the images. She wrote: "Not only is it FREEZING but it is now SNOWING. I am not complaining but I have not felt my extremities for 48 hours!"

Malcolm Chudley, vice chairman of Moretonhampstead parish council, said the endorsement was good news for the town.

He said: "It's brilliant having a celebrity extolling the virtues of the area. It's got to be good for Moretonhampstead."

Central Devon MP Mel Stride said the visit could only benefit Devon's international image.

He said: "We very much welcome her comments about how wonderful Devon is. She's absolutely right, of course, and she's welcome here any time."