Judgment day for Swanton Morley

THE mid-Norfolk village crowned the best of its size in the county was this week on tenterhooks after coming under the spotlight from judges looking for England's finest.

THE mid-Norfolk village crowned the best of its size in the county was this week on tenterhooks after coming under the spotlight from judges looking for England's finest.

Swanton Morley won village of the year in the Eastern Daily Press Pride in Norfolk Awards under 5,000 population category this year. Now, it is through to the regional finals to decide who will represent the East of England region in the Calor Village of the Year competition.

Last Thursday, the judges were shown what the village had to offer by parish council chairman Roger Atterwill, parish clerk Faye Le Bon and village hall chairman Gina Eames. Now, villagers must wait until Tuesday to find out whether they have got through.

Mr Atterwill said: 'They are keen on facilities but also the community spirit and how different age groups interact, and I think we have showcased that pretty well.

'We are just pleased to have won Norfolk village of the year, and any more than that will be a bonus.'

Calor Village of the Year manager Holly Sims said: 'With the judges' visit, villagers are bound to be on tenterhooks, with everyone in the community gearing up to represent Swanton Morley as a real contender.'

First prize is �7,000, with �2,000 going to each of the five regional winners.