THE search for the best village in the county has started.

The Calor Village Of The Year competition, now in its 11th year, aims to find Worcestershire's most well-balanced, pro-active, caring communities which, irrespective of size, have made the best of local opportunities.

Last year Inkberrow, near Pershore, was named best in the county, and the people living there are already preparing for judges to return this summer.

Organised by Community First, the competition covers four categories - community, business, environment and communications - and any village with a population of 5,000 or under can enter. Nomin-ations can be made by any village organisation, but should be supported by a second organisation such as the parish council.

Worcestershire co-oridinator Nina Owen said that with a new simplified entry format to this year's competition they are looking forward to a good response from villages.

She said: "Entering is easy and provides an opportunity to find out about all the services and activities that are available in your village.

"It also brings people together in a celebration of all that's happening and offers a chance to raise the profile of the local community."

"We hope this will encourage as many villages as possible to give it a go."

One village will go forward to represent the county in the prestigious Calor Village Of The Year For England competition. If they win the village will be awarded a cash prize of £7,000, while runners-up get £2,000.

For more information and to request entry forms call Nina Owen on 01684 573334 or e-mail ninao@comfirst.org.uk Deadline for entries is Friday, April 27, and judging will take place in June.

Running alongside the Calor Village Of The Year competition is the Rural Pub In The Community Award, now in its second year.

The award aims to celebrate the pubs that have diversified their businesses to offer their local community a wider range of services.

Anyone can nominate their local watering hole provided it is situated in a village with a population of 5,000 residents or less. Judges are looking for pubs that are the heart of their community, whether they provide internet access, host community meetings or offer retail or special services for elderly people.

The deadline for entries is Monday, April 16, and an online entry form can be found at www.lpg-catering. co.uk/rural Alternatively, call 0800 216659 or e-mail telemarketing @calor.co.uk and a form will be sent to you by post.