VILLAGES in Times Territory have been honoured at the 2010 Hertfordshire Village of the Year competition.

Lemsford, Knebworth and Woolmer Green all received prizes during the annual awards celebrations, organised by the Hertfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

Now in its 11th year, the winners were announced last night (Thursday) at a ceremony at County Hall in Hertford.

Lemsford was named Small Village of the Year, for its commitment to the environment and community spirit. Judges described Lemsford as “exceptional”.

The judges’ tribute read: “They are making new allotments and clearing banks, so that wild flowers can bloom again. The river is clear and full of wildlife. The oversubscribed school has an ecological centre. The village has one of the oldest and most successful football teams in the county. It holds an annual Village f�te, as well as street parties.

“It even has its own local history group, which publishes its own documents. All this despite having one of the smallest populations in the county.”

Elsewhere, residents of Woolmer Green were rewarded by being named winner of the People award, for helping to improve the village’s main road and using their spare time to improve village life.

And Robin Wordsworth of Knebworth received the Peterkin Award - which acknowledges the work of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their village.

Judge Tom Davidson said: “Judging the competition was more difficult than ever this year. There is a wealth of talent, enterprise and innovative thinking in our villages, which is translated into achievements through the commitment and hard work of the villagers.”