VILLAGERS in six Forest communities are peering anxiously round their net curtains as Vibrant Village of the Year Contest judges go on the prowl.

 In the running this year are Westbury on Severn, Blakeney, Kempley, Mitcheldean, Newland and Woolaston – the highest ever entry from this area, say the contest organisers Gloucestershire Rural Community Council.

Open to villages with a parish council or parish meeting and a total population of less than 3,500, the contest will be judged in four categories: Best Community Facility, Best Community Project/Initiative, Most Resilient Community and Healthy and Active Community.

Judge Rosemary Lynn said: "Vibrant Village of the Year is an important way to recognise the many thriving and successful communities in Gloucestershire.

"We hear much these days about 'rural decline' so it is refreshing to know first-hand that this is by no means the case in our county. As a judge, the Vibrant Village of the Year competition gives me the opportunity to get out and see for myself what vibrancy really means.

Following the judging visits this month, entrants will be invited to the awards ceremony at Batsford House, near Moreton-in-Marsh, on Thursday July 14, where the achievements of those who have taken part will be celebrated and the winners announced.

A cheque for £500 together with a framed commemorative certificate will be awarded to the overall winner as well as to each of the individual category winners.

Runners up will each receive a cheque for £100 and other awards may be presented at the judges' discretion. All entries will also be entered into the Grand Prize Draw with the chance to win a do-it-yourself gift voucher.

For more information on the competition visit the website http://www.grcc">www.grcc. org.uk/smartweb/vibrant-village/vibrant-village