COMMUNITY spirit has been rewarded in Lower Peover in the Best Kept Village 2018 Award.

At the 61st annual competition, organised by Cheshire Community Action, the village came out top in its population category (401 – 600), something parish councillor George Dutton said local volunteers and businesses should feel very proud about.

He said: “It’s a testament to the community spirit of the village. A lot of effort goes into the upkeep of the village and the judges recognised that.”

Among the award criteria the village was marked on the overall appearance of its bus stops, school ground, churchyard, pub fronts and local businesses.

It was also marked positively for the lack of litter and dog fouling in the area.

Cllr Dutton added: “We’re delighted our efforts have been acknowledged in this way. We’ve got a thriving local shop pub, school and church, and a fantastic group of community volunteers and businesses.

Cllr Dutton said attractions such as the village’s ‘Tree of Imagination’ contributed to the award, as well as the recently-refurbished traditional telephone box, which has been fitted with a defibrillator.

The Country Store on Hulme Lane was also honoured in the Little Gem award category.

Rebecca Jones, from competition sponsor Essar, presented a plaque to the winners, which will take pride of place above the road sign into the village.

Cllr Dutton added: “We’re very proud to have won the award, and we think and hope that everyone else in the village is too.”