Village wins a title and £500

CHRISTMAS has come early for residents in Sedlescome as it has been named England's best community village.

As winners of the Community category, Sedlescombe fended off competition from villages in Cumbria, Norfolk, Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire.

Winning the title, which comes with a £500 prize, follows success in the competition over the year at county and regional level.

Parish council chairman Valerie Wright was delighted with the award and said it was the result of the village pulling together as a community.

She told the Courier: "It's great! It shows what a fantastic village we are. That's why we have won the community prize. We are all very lucky to live in a village like this, and long may it continue!"

Judges were particularly impressed with Sedlescombe's friendly, hard-working nature, with the completion of the new pavilion being a prime example.

Holly Sims, Calor Village of the Year manager, said: "Congratulations to Sedlescombe. Villagers will be sure to be ending the year on a high following this achievement.

"We're delighted to be able to recognise them for all the wonderful projects and hard work that have gone into making the community the best community in England.

"Our judges had a very difficult task selecting the overall category winner, so it really is testament to Sedlescombe's innovation, hard work and determination that they have won."

The Community category considers a number of village aspects, including the facilities, services and activities available, how the needs of young people are dealt with, what is available for senior citizens and how problems are dealt with.

Why do you think Sedlescombe has the best community? Let us know at www.thisissussex.co.uk