Proud residents of a small community situated to the north east of Kendal in Cumbria are celebrating after it was revealed that they live in the 2009 Calor Village of the Year for England.
Kirkby Stephen has fought its way through county and regional rounds of the competition to gain the prestigious title. As the nation’s top village, residents will benefit from a fantastic £10,000 boost to invest back into community projects, in addition to the kudos that can only come from being declared as England’s best village.
The competition judges communities across four key areas covering: Community – a better place to live, Business – a better place to work, Sustainability – a better future, and Communications – being in contact. However, in order to gain the national title, a village must reveal a special ‘X-factor’. In addition to winning the overall award for England and the regional North England title, Kirkby Stephen is the winner of two regional category awards for Community and Business.
Judges commented on Kirkby Stephen: “This community displays a breadth of vision seldom found elsewhere – with an inward focus that ensures all residents are cared for, supported and empowered whilst playing a key role in the wider community.
“With a great range of activities on offer for residents of all ages, efforts being made to cement good relations between the different age groups within the community, and an active and imaginative businesses community, Kirkby Stephen really is a vibrant, caring and successful community – and a thoroughly deserving winner of this fantastic accolade.”
In order to gain the title for England, Kirkby Stephen beat off competition from four other village contenders: Silchester, Hampshire (the South England winner); Denton, Norfolk (the East England winner); Kingston, Devon (the West England winner); and Hathersage, Derbyshire (the Central England winner).