THE search has begun for Wiltshire’s best villages thanks to a competition backed by Wessex Water in coordination with the Adver.

Our readers are asked to put forward their nominations for the competition which will highlight what is so wonderful about living in some of the rural areas in the community.

Villages come in all shapes and sizes, which is part of their charm. And that’s why we are launching the Wiltshire Village of the Year Awards in partnership with Wessex Water.

There are six categories to choose from:

:: Best Large Village of the Year (population over 2,000)

:: Best Small Village of the Year (population higher than 500 and lower than 2,000)

:: Best Hamlet of the Year (population below 500)

:: Best Village Shop

:: Best Village Hero

:: Best Village Environmental Initiative

Bill Browne, on behalf of the Adver's parent company Newsquest titles, said: “We want to celebrate all that is great about our county’s villages.

“These small communities are full of fantastic stories that we want to shout about. That’s why we want to find the best heroes, shops and initiatives across the county.

“The Wiltshire Village of the Year Awards covers a broad range of categories from the best shops to the most inspiring people.

“We want to know what makes each village unique, what makes it different from the rest. What quirks does your village have that no others can match? These are all questions we want you to answer.”

To enter, go to https://form.jotform.com/200502431722035