Civic reception for Best Kept Vale village winners
The success of this year's Vale of Glamorgan Best Kept Village competition has been recognised at a special civic reception.
Hosted by Vale Mayor Cllr Clive Williams, the reception was attended by representatives of winners Wenvoe, who were runners-up last year, Ystradowen, who had to settle for second spot after last year's success, third-placed Llanmaes and St Bride's Major Church in Wales Primary School, winners of the children's competition (aged six to 11) for the second successive year. Cogan Nursery School, Penarth, were winners of the under five years section.
There was a special prize for Wick and Marcross Church in Wales School who have transformed a derelict area into a wildlife and learning park.
Established in 1953, the competition was sponsored this year by Lafarge Cement (Aberthaw), the Vale Council and town and community councils.
Cllr Williams said: “The wonderful efforts of so many Vale villages show that the main aim of the competition to create a sense of community spirit and pride have once again fully exemplified.
“It's a big tribute to the many volunteers throughout the area who take a great pride in their village and co-ordinate such marvellous community efforts."
Competition chairman Basil Watkins thanked the sponsors for their excellent support.
Caption: Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Clive Williams and the Mayoress, wife Gwyneth, are pictured at the Best Kept Vale Village reception with representatives John Bird and Roy Hulin of winners Wenvoe and Cllr Rob Curtis (left), cabinet member visible services.