Cotswold village shines at this year's Vibrant Village awards (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cotswold village shines at this year's Vibrant Village awards

1:00pm Sunday 22nd July 2012 in News By Laura Shack

PRAISE has been poured on Kempsford for the village’s community spirit in this year’s Vibrant Village of the Year Awards.

In its first year of entering, the Cotswold village shone out from the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council competition by winning overall runner-up and a runner-up award for the best community initiative.

A standout project for the judges was the creation of a youth club at the village hall, which was supported by Kempsford parish council and has since been taken over by a young committee.

The committee's fundraising efforts and dedication to the youth club has made it a success in engaging youths and tackling anti-social behaviour in the surrounding area.

Judges also recognised Kempsford’s outstanding celebrations for both the royal wedding last year and the Queen’s diamond jubilee in June. The "truly united and vibrant" events were organised by the Cancer-Vive committee, which was set up by parishioner Val Higgs (nee Kirkam) who died following a battle with cancer in 2009.

To recognise the fundraising efforts that Val made for Cancer Research and her work in the community, a tree was planted in her memory in the village.

Following the awards ceremony, Kempsford Parish Council clerk Teresa Griffin said: "Everyone has made a real effort over the last year so it is nice to get the recognition. "Considering it was open to the whole of Gloucestershire we were really chuffed with the result and hopefully it will inspire people to do more."

Elsewhere in the Cotswolds, Lechlade was awarded runner-up for the Most Resilient Community.

Cotswold finalists included Siddington, Longborough, Oddington and Lower Swell.