The 59th Community Pride competition saw many attractive towns and villages in our county rewarded for their efforts

The 59th Community Pride competition, organised by Cheshire Community Action, took place at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall. The awards are held to celebrate those villages and market towns that show continuous care to look after the fabric of their hometowns, demonstrating and emphasising just how much voluntary work is undertaken to keep Cheshire a beautiful county.

The overall award was presented to Audlem as Best Kept Village/Market Town. The village, located in East Cheshire and on the border of Shropshire, was voted as well cared for and attractive to all who visit it. With a population of just under 1,800, the active community strives to keep up high standard of care and there’s plenty going on.

From the traditional medieval church of St James, the Jacobean Moss Hall and even Williams the newsagents – which was established in 1862 – through to the modern, thriving retailers and two annual festivals which are both in their 16th year, The Audlem Festival and the Audlem Festival of Transport, Audlem is much more than its picturesque postcard exterior. The town also scooped the Cheshire Community Spirit and Best Community Website award.

Many more awards were presented at the ceremony, which was sponsored by Essar Oil UK, including 43 certificates for the Little Gem Award, which covers any area or artefact in a village that shows special care and attention. Tilston walked away with the Community Safety award, which is sponsored by Cheshire Constabulary Chief Inspector, Giles Orton, who presented a plaque and cheque for £250.

Rostherne received the award for the most improved village in the past year, the Community Champion award went to Patti Pinto of Congleton, and the Les George OBE Award was won by Helsby.