It’s that time of year again when communities are urged to support an awards scheme which recognises the best villages.

The search has begun again for Dorset’s Best Village with the launch of the 2018 competition, a contest organised by Dorset Community Action (DCA) for more than 30 years.

Entry details have been sent inviting villages to enter either through the parish council, village hall committee and other active community groups.

Magna Housing has been the main sponsor for the competition since 2010 and has continued its support for another year.

Additional sponsorship comes from a range of different organisations including Dorset County Council and the Dorset Echo.

Competition organiser Rita Burden said: “We are delighted that Magna Housing has once again agreed to generously sponsor the competition.”

She added: “Villages are the lifeblood of our county and the purpose of this competition is to encourage these communities to come together for the benefit of their local area and allowing their efforts to be recognized and rewarded.

“We are hopeful that many new villages will be encouraged to enter for the first time this year.”

Magna’s housing director Tony Murray, said: “We support the communities we are based in so it is very fitting that we are once again the main sponsor for the Dorset Best Village awards.

“It is particularly significant this year as we will complete the first homes in our new programme of building in Dorset villages this summer.

“The Best Village Awards is a great event which encourages people in villages to promote a strong community spirit and make Dorset villages great places to live. We are proud to be associated with it.”

Besides the main Best Village competition, there are four other entry sections:

* The People’s Project - the best project involving local active people

* Environmental Champions - the best ‘Green’ initiative

* Best Village Shop

* Young People’s Award - projects led by people under 25 who are helping their community or environment

* Dorset Community Heritage Award - new award celebrating one off projects, a positive restoration of the appearance of a historic settlement, research, ongoing conservation to look after anything of historical interest or interpretation that benefits the local community

The deadline for entries in the Best Village category only is 5pm on Monday, April 16. For all other categories the deadline is 5pm on Monday, June 18.

DCA wants entries online if possible – visit dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk or call DCA on 01305 216407 for an entry form.