DYMOCK can lay claim to be the most vibrant community in Gloucestershire, after triumphing in the county's "Village of the Year" competition.

Dymock was the overall winner for 2014, with St Briavels as the runner up in the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council’s ‘Village of the Year’ competition.

Dymock also won the team award category in the competition, while nearby Bromsberrow triumphed with first place in the "Growing Great Futures" category.

To win top overall slot, Dymock gave an impressive presentation to the judges, focusing on the Dymock Festival and Half Marathon.

This was was held at Dymock Cricket club, and was given by Cllr Terry Ball, representing Dymock Parish Council; Martin Fowkes, representing Dymock Cricket Club; Bob May, representing Saint Mary’s Church; Jeremy and Debbie Downhan, representing the festival committee; and Helen Senior, representing the cricket club’s youth training team. Cllr Ball said: "Before, and after the presentation, we were treated to some wonderful singing from Dymock’s Maybelles choir, accompanied by Bob May on the piano. As finalists we were then invited to the recent awards ceremony in Gloucester Cathedral, with a special invite to the Maybelles, to accompany us and perform in the cathedral during the refreshment break.

He added: "This they did extremely well, attracting quite a crowd of appreciative listeners.

"During the presentation of the awards we sat quietly, almost holding our breath as the runners up and winners were announced in each category. It was very satisfying when we heard Bromsberrow declared the winner in their category; but it was with a feeling of great pride that we heard the name Dymock being announced as the winner of the ‘Advice Team’ award. We were delighted! "

He added: "The culmination of the award ceremony was the announcement of the overall winner, and when Dymock was named again there was much cheering from the audience. It is a tremendous honour for all of us in this community, and it was an honour for me to go up on the stage and receive the awards."

The community-run "Shop at Bromsberrow" certainly appears to have a great future, despite only being open for ten months, as a hub of local life.

Shop spokesperson, Jan Long said: "It must be said that the success lies entirely with the volunteers who run it and the loyal and committed customers and clients who use it and we are absolutely delighted to have received such an accolade.

"We are grateful to everyone involved and wish to thank the GRCC for presenting this Award to our community".