Llanymynech has been crowned Montgomeryshire Village of the Year 2018.

The village on the Powys/Shropshire border was revealed as the winner during an awards event on Friday, September 21, with Llanwddyn, Llangyniew and Guilsfield named finalists.

Ten villages entered the Montgomeryshire Village Awards, organised by the Montgomeryshire branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales and supported by mid Wales and Shropshire estate agents and chartered surveyors, Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd.

“All the entrants were exceptional this year and truly demonstrated the remarkable community spirit of our Montgomeryshire villages,” said Brett Kibble, chairman of the CPRW’s Montgomeryshire branch.

The award, presented at an event held at Welshpool Livestock Sales at Buttington Cross, Welshpool, had originally been called the Montgomeryshire Best Kept Village but was renamed for 2018 to demonstrate the emphasis on community spirit in addition to their physical appearance.

Judges had been looking for “evidence of distinctive character, a sense of place and a welcoming atmosphere.” Key areas will include caring for the village, a vibrant village life, caring for the environment and communication in the village.

An independent judging panel of six made multiple visits to the villages, meeting local residents and carefully scrutinising information packs, websites and other information submitted as part of their applications.

“All the finalists exhibited these characteristics irrespective of their size. Llanymynech particularly impressed with the high standard in everything they do, the range of well-established groups and facilities; their co-operative working with Pant, across the Wales/England border and their ability to work together," added Mr Kibble.

"Also, in the way they embrace their heritage that was so critical for the agricultural hinterland and how they celebrate and make use of the surrounding countryside.”

Andrew Turner, a partner at chartered surveyors and estate agents Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd which sponsors the awards, said: “Yet again we’ve seen such a great mix of entrants, demonstrating the real community spirit we have here in mid Wales.”

“It’s vitally important our villages, towns and communities have a wide mix of activities, opportunities and pride in themselves. The residents, voluntary groups, organisations and businesses within them all play an important part, and this can be seen through the ten entrants in the village awards.”

The awards were presented by Powys county councillor Myfanwy Alexander, portfolio holder for learning and Welsh language. In attendance was Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire.

Guests from each of the villages and others also attended the ceremony which was hosted by Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd at its WLS centre, one of Europe’s largest livestock marts.