BIDDESTONE has once again been shortlisted for the final of the Wiltshire Best Kept Village competition after taking first place in the Medium category for North Wiltshire and Swindon.

Biddestone beat Dauntsey to take first prize, delighting organisers of their campaign.

Biddestone and Slaughterford parish councillor Ashley Juniper said: “We won it about four years ago and came runner-up the following year and I’m very happy, it’s a tribute to all the residents that live in the village.

“It’s also down to our facilities such as the village hall and all the classes that are available there.”

The winning villages will now be judged later this month before three outright winners are picked for each size category, which includes Large (population over 1,000), Medium (population 300 to 1,000) and Small (population under 300).

The three winning villages will be given an eight foot standard with a mounted shield for a year, to be placed on their village green.

“It’s great news and we have won it before so we can only hope that we do again,” added Biddestone and Slaughterford Parish Councillor, Mary Mullens.

Sponsored by The Hills Group, 40 villages large, medium and small entered the competition from across the county, with the 12 winners named in four areas – North Wiltshire/Swindon, West Wiltshire, South Wiltshire and Kennet.

The final award ceremony will be held at each village on September 25 and will be led by CPRE Wiltshire’s President, the Lord-Lieutenant for Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton.

For a full list of winners see below:

North Wiltshire and Swindon

Large: 1st Brinkworth, 2nd Box, 3rd Bradenstoke

Medium: 1st Biddestone, 2nd Dauntsey

Small: 1st Upper and Lower Seagry, 2nd Charlton, 3rd Hankerton

South Wiltshire

Large: 1st Winterbournes, 2nd Whiteparish, 3rd Alderbury & Waddon

Medium: 1st Dinton, 2nd Hindon, 3rd Fovant

Small: 1st Ansty, 2nd Baverstock, 3rd Burcombe

Kennet

Large: 1st Great Bedwyn, 2nd Bromham, 3rd Ramsbury

Medium: 1st All Cannings, 2nd Milton Lilbourne

Small: 1st Rushall, 2nd Lockeridge, 3rd Woodborough

West Wiltshire

Large: 1st Bratton, 2nd Holt, 3rd Bowerhill

Medium: 1st Edington, 2nd Shaw, 3rd Whitley

Small: 1st Bishopstrow, 2nd Great Hinton