A FOREST project narrowly missed out on winning a national award.

Despite lots of finger crossing, Two Rivers Housing was 'highly commended' in the community achievement award category with Blakeney Community Green – but missed out on the top spot.

The project was entered for a 24 Housing 'Community Achievement' award with the winner announced last Thursday in Birmingham.

The project has gone from strength-to-strength and helped bring the community together as well as combat the effects of rural isolation, promote friendships, health and education and stimulate local trade and tourism.

Two Rivers Housing has worked closely with Blakeney Community Green since 2010 to support its plans and to secure more than £125,000 worth of grants which have provided a path around the recreation ground.

They have also secured a climbing frame on the playground and a swing suitable for disabled people, a nature trail which has been used by the school for walks and those wanting to exercise. The village hall has been refurbished with improved disabled facilities and an extended kitchen, and the community café runs as a social enterprise to be self-funding and generate income for other initiatives. There is also a three-mile path that re-opens an historic route through the Forest to Soudley.

"The drive and enthusiasm of this small village has been astounding," said Jane Cordier, community projects co-ordinator at Two Rivers. "The community has been inspired and has grown in confidence through its success. It's so rewarding to see people of all ages using the facilities they have worked hard to provide."

The path between Blakeney and Soudley is the latest project to near completion. The two communities are producing a visitor map of historical landmarks and wildlife along the route and they are talking to the local ramblers group about promoting the trail.