The Campaign to Protect Rural England is urging villages to enter the Wiltshire Best Kept Village Competition this year.

The Wiltshire branch of CPRE organises the annual competition, sponsored by The Hills Group, and has introduced a newcomer’s award for the first time to encourage villages that have not entered before.

Last year there were 51 entries.

John Blake, secretary of Wiltshire CPRE, said: “Villages are making their preparations for the competition and some have attended a seminar run by CPRE Wiltshire to provide guidance for those who wanted it.

“It brings villages together to achieve a common aim, which benefits the whole community.”

The first round of judging will take place in May and June, with the final rounds in July.