REDBOURN has won the coveted award for 2010 Village of Year West, beating off stiff competition from around the region.

Organised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the Hertfordshire Village of the Year Competition is in its 11th year, and Judge Tom Davidson said: “Judging the competition was more difficult than ever this year.

“There is a wealth of talent, enterprise and innovative thinking in our villages, which is translated into achievements through the commitment and hard work of the villagers.”

The award is an extra special achievement for the village which is celebrating its 900th anniversary this year.

Redbourn parish clerk Diane Whiskin said: “This is lovely for the village – it creates a real feel-good factor. The award is recognition of everyone’s efforts in the community, and really brings the community together.”

The judge’s report described Redbourn as “a large and vibrant community which has organised a whole host of celebrations this year, triggered by the 900th anniversary of the foundation of St Mary’s Church”.

The report added: “This included a family fun and sports day and rural day in May and a carnival in June. A new and much larger parish centre is under construction and major re-landscaping is under way at a green public space known as the Millennium site.

“There is a high degree of mutual support between the local residents, the village businesses, the churches and the societies and clubs at all ages, with active encouragement of young people in decisions and organisation”.

Ms Whiskin added: “We would like to thank everyone involved in the awards and particularly local councillors David Mitchell and Elaine Warren who were very helpful putting the application together and showing the judges the village,”

The award ceremony will take place in the village on Saturday 24 July at 10.30am, when the trophy will be presented and a plaque unveiled, and the whole village is invited along.

The 900th year celebrations continue with 43 street parties taking place next weekend, and “Come Rain, Come Shine” on July 18, with actors from Radio 4’s The Archers performing music and drama in celebration of the British countryside. For details of events visit www.redbourn.org.uk.

You can also visit the village to see 35 striking banners spelling out “Redbourn 900” with each letter made by an individual in the community.