A FRIENDLY Herefordshire village has been named as this year's best in the county.

Judges for the Calor Village of the Year competition were so impressed with Bishopswood's community spirit, they decided to give it official recognition.

The judges, who look for caring communities which enhance quality of life, concluded that Bishopswood, near Ross-on-Wye, was a thriving and modern village offering well-used facilities for all.

"It's not the prettiest place in the county in a traditional sense," said Christine Puzey, chairman of the village hall committee.

"But it is the friendliest place I have ever lived and I would not want to live anywhere else."

Mrs Puzey, one of the organisers for the competition entry, moved into the village seven years ago from the Milton Keynes area and is delighted she made the move.

"The village makes new people very welcome. As soon as we moved here, we were immediately invited to social functions," she said.

The village thrives on community events that involve as many of its 300-plus residents as possible.

"We have a very active community and the focal point is probably the village hall and the church. We try to get everyone involved," said Mrs Puzey.

"The village hall is big for the size of the village and is very well used. Activities go on there every day."

All this means that the village will now represent Herefordshire in the regional competition, covering an area from Shropshire to Cornwall. There will also be a celebration and award presentation at the village hall in October.

Bishopswood was not the only village in Herefordshire to catch the eye of judges.

Wellington Heath was commended for its outstanding use of computer facilities, while Mansel Lacy was praised for converting part of a church into a community centre, complete with computer equipment.