ALRESFORD has been named Village of the Year by the Rural Community Council of Essex.

Judges were impressed with the community spirit and highlighted projects to improve the village hall and church, as well as the Pointer pub.

Alresford won £500 and will go through to the national finals.

Ernie Osborne, parish council chairman, said: “It is absolutely fantastic. The village has won this award, not any individual.

“This began with the anti-quarry meeting, a successful village fete and recently the Diamond Jubilee, which had an excellent turnout not just from people taking part but helpers too.

“We are all over the moon.”

Nick Shuttleworth, competition director, said: “Our competition is about rewarding vibrant, enterprising and caring villages, a description that sums up Alresford very well.

“Our judges met with people of all ages who were really passionate about the place.

“This competition showcases so much that is good about rural life in Essex today.”

Brightlingsea and Great Bentley won Best Kept Village in their classes and took home £150 each.

Brightlingsea mayor Karen Yallop praised the committee of people who put together the town’s bid for the title.

She said: “We are absolutely thrilled Brightlingsea has once again been recognised for its efforts to make the town a lovely place in which to live.

“The town council will continue to work in partnership with the many organisations in the town to help to maintain Brightlingsea’s vibrancy.”

Lynda McWilliams, a Great Bentley parish and district councillor, said: “It was a nice surprise for everyone involved from the village.

“We are dependent on everyone to do their bit.

“Our dog walkers in particular are excellent at cleaning up after themselves.”