It may be "vibrant with a community spirit that is palpable", but a Kent village has just missed out on being named the nation's best.

Smarden, near Ashford, won the title 2008 Calor Village of the Year for South England so went through to the national finals held in the Guildhall in London.

Village representatives John Lowings and Gill Bromley attended the ceremony to hear that the winner was Levington in Suffolk.

~ The winner - find out about Levington here >>>

Nevertheless, they returned home with a total of £2,500 in prize money - £1,500 as a regional winner and two £500 regional category awards for business and environment.

Judges described Smarden as "a vibrant community".

They added: "Villagers combine a pride for their heritage and surroundings with a desire to drive Smarden forward into the future, shaping a sustainable environment sensitive to the needs of all residents, both young and old.

"Made up of families that have been living in the village for many generations, as well as relative newcomers, Smarden’s community spirit is palpable and if there is a cause that requires them to join together in order to fight for their cause then they’ll never be short of volunteers."

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