Village is top in its fields (From Stroud News and Journal)

Village is top in its fields

PAINSWICK is celebrating this week after being declared the Gloucestershire Village of the Year 2005.

As part of the annual competition, villages from across the county are judged on eight categories, including youth facilities, elderly groups, the environment and commerce.

The village - known as the Queen of the Cotswolds - was rated top in the healthy village section and runner up in both the older people category and in building community life.

Painswick fought off tough competition from 21 other communities to win the coveted title and the £500 prize money.

Phil Randall, chairman of the judges, said the judging was difficult because so many of the entrants were particularly strong contenders.

He said: "Painswick showed the judging team that it was active on all fronts.

"Residents are very good at providing facilities for younger people and older people with an active environmental group and a good IT set-up, so they stood out."

Judges were impressed because the village has more than 70 community groups.

There is also a strong Neighbourhood Watch group, a wide variety of sports clubs, four churches and several youth groups.

Mr Randall added: "The competition is not about appearance, it's about the overall community spirit of the village and the way residents look after all their different groups."

Parish councillor Martin Slinger, who came up with the idea of entering the competition, was thrilled.

He said: "You name it we've got it in this village and we've got about 40 clubs and societies. There's a lot going on for a small place.

"The competition also helped recognise all those people who are part of the community.

"Painswick is a great place and apart from the money we have won, the village will benefit from a certain amount of kudos."

Painswick will now go forward to represent Gloucestershire in the South West Village of the Year competition.