The judges are looking for:
"Well balanced, pro-active, caring village communities which, irrespective of size, have made the best of local opportunities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all inhabitants."
The Calor Village of the YearŽ competition is open to all villages in England with a population of 5,000 or under.
The closing date for entries is 14th June 2009. Entries received after this date may not be considered.
The competition assesses communities on four aspects of rural village life: Community, Sustainability, Business and Communications. You are also asked to tell us in less than 500 words: 'What makes your village a special place?'. Villages can enter as many or as few of the categories as they wish. Please forward 3 village photographs to support your entry. If these are hard copy (rather than electronic), they will be returned. The award winners' photographs will be published on our website.
Villages can enter as many or as few of the categories as they wish.