RESIDENTS across North Wiltshire are celebrating after being named as winners of the Best Kept Village competition.

Hullavington were named winners of the large village category, with Charlton coming out on top of the small village category.

The competition saw 36 villages in Wiltshire compete against others in their district, tested against criteria which looks for tidiness, cleanliness, presentation and village community spirit.

Villages were judged within categories of small, medium and large villages.

Winners of each district, West Wiltshire, North Wiltshire, South Wiltshire and Kennet then went on to face each other in the county round which saw Hullavington and Charlton come out on top, alongside Biddestone who won the medium village category.

Amongst their comments, the judges felt that Hullavington “was immaculately presented, everything was clean and tidy, verges well mown and looked after.

"It was a pleasure to see so many gardens neat and colourful and evidently cared for.

"There was a noticeable absence of litter, and the surroundings of the Hullavington Arms, the shop and the garage were very tidy and attractive.”

Judges felt that Charlton “exuded an air of quiet pride in every aspect.

"The hedges and verges were neat and well-tended as were the frontage of the pub and the church yard.

"The Blue Crescent space was well looked after and it was good to see the football goalposts which indicated it was often put to use.

"The Village Hall, Play Area, Cricket Pitch and Pavilion are a credit to the village and the War memorial is well cared for.”

Each winning village will be presented with, and keep for a year, an eight foot standard with mounted shield, usually emplaced on their village green.

Award ceremonies will take place at the three winning villages on September 23, with each winning villages receiving a cash prize and framed certificate.

The competition was sponsored by The Hills Group for a sixth consecutive year.