FOR the second year running, Barkway has been successful in the Herts Village of the Year contest. It took the title in the Older Person Category. Ten villages competed for 14 awards that included villages of the year, small village and most improved comm

FOR the second year running, Barkway has been successful in the Herts Village of the Year contest.

It took the title in the Older Person Category.

Ten villages competed for 14 awards that included villages of the year, small village and most improved community.

A spokesman for Barkway Parish Council said: "Everyone associated with Barkway is thrilled to bits.

"The Older Person Category is important to us, and maintaining the welfare of the older members of the community is essential.

"We have a community group in place that work together to provide housing, care, and support for the elderly.

"Wheatsheaf Meadow are also fantastic and have excellent sheltered accommodation and day rooms."

Judges visited the village last month and were taken around Barkway Chapel and school as well as Wheatsheaf Meadow.

The judges met residents and representatives from community groups.

The spokesman said: "Although it is pleasing, we never enter the competition to win.

"We do it as an exercise to see how the village is doing, and this shows that the village is doing well.

"It has been a real community effort, with so many people contributing to the success."

It is the second Herts Village of the Year award Barkway has won. Last year, it won the building community life category.

Competition judge Tom Davidson said: "As always, the standard of entries was high.

"I was extremely impressed by the enormous amount of work that people have put in for their communities."

Ickleford was the overall winner of the competition and will represent the county in the prestigious national Calor Village of the Year competition.