THE village of Martley, already voted Worcestershire Village of the Year, has gone on to win three regional awards in a national competition examining all aspects of village life.

Martley was voted best in the region for environment, older people and information technology, winning against strong opposition from winning villages in the South West and Western England.

Martley's parish chairman David Cropp and parish councillor Jack Bradley attended the award ceremony at the Millennium Hotel in London's Grosvenor Square, receiving framed certificates and cash prizes totalling £1,500.

A delighted Mr Cropp said: "We are slightly staggered, and it hasn't quite sunk in yet.

"We've always had a rosy view of our village, but it's wonderful when a stranger comes in from the outside and says they feel the same.

"After winning four plaques, the village hall might need more wall space!"

Prizes were awarded in six categories of the competition, organised by Community First and sponsored by Calor Gas, to find the most well-balanced and caring community.

In the environment category, judges were impressed with the way the whole community was becoming involved in regenerating Martley's Millennium Green, a piece of land including two small lakes and a developing wildflower meadow.

The village, which is nine miles north-west of Worcester, also looks after two Sites of Special Scientific Interest and maintains 40 miles of footpaths.

In the older people category, judges cited the good transport provision for older residents and the fact that there is a designated parish councillor with specific responsibility for Martley's sheltered housing.

The judges' report read: "It is a lively village where all are encouraged to get involved, whether it's with one of Martley's many environmental projects or with its numerous community activities.

"After visiting the village judges observed that there is no section of Martley's community that is isolated. This is an all-embracing community rich in drive and enthusiasm."

Integrated

The information technology category was judged separately from the rest of the competition by Ellie Stoneley from UKVillages.co.uk

Ms Stoneley found Martley's website to be "tremendously active and integrated community", and said investment in the village's IT and Library Cybercafe had been "extremely well thought out".

The other categories were community life, business and young people, the latter being won by Coaley, Gloucestershire, which was the overall regional winner.

Guest of honour at the event was author and gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh and the food was prepared by Brian Turner, of Ready Steady Cook fame.