PORLOCK is celebrating after landing the prestigious title of Calor Gas Village of the Year in Somerset.

Village representatives are due to travel to Glastonbury to collect their award next Thursday and will go on to represent the county in the regional finals in October.

Although the judges have yet to release the details behind the decision, they were clearly impressed with Porlock last year when the village's visitor centre scooped a special commendation.

At the time, the judges said: "The Porlock Visitor Centre story is one that the judges find inspirational.

"The judges suspect that they will be saying more about the Porlock Visitor Centre on future occasions."

Now that prediction has come true and visitor centre manager Denise Sage said everyone was thrilled by the success.

She said: "We really enjoy this competition. It has helped us improve village life for all residents by highlighting our weaknesses as well as showing our many and varied strengths.

"Porlock is an amazing village and when we come to fill in all the forms we realise what a special place it is and how lucky we are to live here.

"Not only is it an attractive, working village, but every member of the community is valued."

Porlock entered the competition back in 2003 and achieved the honour of Best Large Village of the Year in the county.

Last year, Porlock Vale's newsletter was named as the best in Somerset in the county-wide competition run by the Community Council for Somerset and earlier this year, villagers installed their own artistic road signs to boost tourist trade.

Mrs Sage added: "We felt we really were a strong contender for the top titles, but even if we go no further, entering the competition has been a very useful exercise and I would recommend all villages, however large or small, to consider getting involved."

Photo: Steve Guscott