Ewyas Harold will represent Herefordshire on the national stage in a competition to find the Village of the Year for England and Wales.

The pretty South Herefordshire village beat stiff competition from across the county to be named Village of the Year in Herefordshire.

Organiser of the competition, Jean Haigh of the Herefordshire Federation of Women's Institutes (HFWI) said: "Ewyas Harold impressed the judges as being a lively, caring community with wonderful facilities for all ages. There have been refurbishment's to the central area of the village and it is always a pleasure to visit the two village shops which offer such a wide and varied range of goods."

Other successful villages included Westhope for its commitment to the environment. Judges said: "Although hampered by foot and mouth restrictions they carried on diligently, preserving and improving the countryside for all to enjoy."

Bosbury was recognised with a business award. The 350 residents of the village have made a success of the recently re-opened local post office.

Marden received an award in the young persons category. Judges said: "The leaders of the uniformed movements are obviously doing a wonderful job keeping the young interested as they manage packs of Brownies, Guides, Scouts and Venture Scouts."

Burghill and Tillington won the Older People award and Ewyas Harold was successful in the Community Life category.

All winning villages received a cheque for £85 at a recent ceremony at Hereford Town Hall. Ewyas Harold received £175 and a commemorative certificate.