VILLAGERS have less than a fortnight left to get their entries in for a prestigious awards scheme celebrating rural pride.

Entries for the main Dorset Best Village Competition have to be in by 5pm on Monday, April 10.

The deadline for other sections is Monday, July 3.

Last year’s ceremony, held at Cerne Abbas Village Hall, was the 30th year of the contest. Askerswell won Best Small Village and Portesham won Best large Village.

The competition is organised by Dorset Community Action (DCA) and entry packs have been sent to parish councils, village hall committees and numerous other active community groups.

Magna Housing has been the major sponsor for the competition since 2010 and has renewed its support for another year. Additional sponsorship comes from Dorset County Council, the four District Councils, the Dorset Echo, Dorset Magazine, Blackmore Vale Magazine,

Communities Living Sustainably and the Campaign to Protect Rural England along with local food producers Clipper Tea, Thomas J. Fudge’s Biscuits, Honeybuns, Craig’s Dairies and Helen Furness Catering.

DCA’s Competition Organiser Rita Burden says: “Once again we are delighted with the entries we have already received but we would like to encourage those village communities who have not entered for a while, or have never entered, to come and join in with this exciting competition.”

Besides the main “Best Village” competition, there are four other sections – Best Village Shop – sponsored by the Campaign to Protect Rural England; Environmental Champions; People’s Project, and a new section this year supported by Dorset Youth

Association – Young People’s award – projects led by under 25s.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday, April 10, with judging during May and June.

The other four categories have a final entry date of July 3.

DCA is encouraging groups to save paper and postage by entering the competition online if possible at www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/dbv or by telephoning DCA on 01305-250921to be sent a copy by email or on paper.