And the best village in Lincolnshire is...

Residents of a picturesque village are celebrating after their home was named the best place to live in Lincolnshire.

Belchford, north east of Horncastle, has been crowned Calor Lincolnshire Village of the Year and will now represent the county in the regional finals.

The village, which only has around 275 inhabitants, scooped the overall top spot after winning two of the four categories.

Two other villages were also honoured in the awards.

Silk Willoughby, near Sleaford, came first in the sustainability category of the competition and Donington, near Spalding scooped the top spot in the business category.

The contest is run by Community Lincolnshire, a rural development charity, with sponsorship provided by gas company Calor.

Competition organiser Teresa Palmer said: "Belchford won for many reasons. It has an unbelievable amount going on and the villagers work so well together."

As well as getting the top prize, the village came first in the communication and community categories.

Business owners and residents of the village are delighted that their home has been recognised.

Pub landlord Darren Jackson, who runs the Bluebell Inn in Main Street, Belchford, said events in the village made it a cut above.

"I think the reason we won was to do with all the activities. There is a big ball every summer and then there's the Downhill Challenge, where people race in carts," he said.

Belchford will now be presented with a winner's plaque and £500 prize money and the category winners will be given £100.

For more the best villages in Lincolnshire, see Friday's Echo.