We're simply the best!

Helmdon is the place to be according to judges of a competition who have voted it Northamptonshire's Village of the Year.

The competition, run by Action with Rural Communities in Rural England (ACRE), concentrates on the aesthetics of the village and also considers the most active community.

Peter Burns, chairman of Helmdon Parish Council, said, "The judges do not just go for the chocolate box sort of village. We have a lot going on in Helmdon - people are always willing to help out as you can see at the annual carnival. We have very good sports club, a school, a pub and we still have a village shop.

Helmdon, taking the trophy for the third time since the competition began, beat 70 other villages in categories including best-kept churchyard.

Mr Burns added: "It is the people of the village who won the competition and I was extremely pleased to collect the trophy on their behalf."

Helmdon will be entered for next year's national Village of the Year 2003 for England and Wales.

Brackley & Towcester Advertiser - October 11th 2002