Six villages from Tendring have put themselves up for scrutiny in a prestigious competiton.

Alresford, Little Clacton, Great Bentley, Little Bentley, Manningtree and Wrabness have all entered the Calor Village of the Year event.

The judges will be out in force in the next few weeks sorting out the winners.

They will be out with their clipboards during May and June to cast an eye over all those in this year's Essex Village of the Year and Best Kept Village competition.

The total number of entries this time is 74 and that includes several newcomers, as well as former winners such as Great Bentley.

"Appearances count, of course. They are an indication of how well cared for a community is," said Nick Shuttleworth, director of the Rural Community Council of Essex.

"Judges will be looking for evidence of lively, community-minded villages where local people are actively involved in organisations and events."

The competition is organised by the Rural Community Council of Essex and is sponsored by Calor.

Judging dates are a well-kept secret and the winners will be announced at the Rural Community Council's annual meeting on July 14.

The winner of the Essex Village of the Year competition will then go forward to the regional and national finals of the Calor Village of the Year for England and Wales.

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003

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