Scores of Grayshott supporters turned out in force to impress three judges from the Best Village in Hampshire Competition recently, organised by Calor.

After touring the village, the judges, Jane and John Harrap together with Chris Paterson from EHDC met residents, business people and volunteers from the village at the Fox and Pelican to enjoy refreshments together and talk about local activities.

The occasion was the judges' third visit to Grayshott, who won the Best Village Award in both 2002 and 2005 and are hoping to make a hat-trick by winning again in 2007. This year the competition subtitled 'Love your Village' aims to identify the village in the county which most matches the ideal community in friendliness, welcome for newcomers, services to the young or elderly and overall success as the place where everyone pulls together.

Dick Smith, coordinator of Buy In Grayshott Campaign (BIG) said, "Some local people have suggested that, having won twice before, the judges are most unlikely to favour Grayshott again. But so much has happened in the last couple of years including Grayshott In Bloom, Hidden Gardens, Concerts, Movies in Grayshott and now our huge open air Opera 'The Barber of Seville' that Grayshott has so much to be proud of. We've just got to leave it to the Judges now to make their minds up."

Founder Member of the Grayshott Society, Phil Bates, agreed. "Everyone I talk to is proud to be part of our Grayshott community. We're fortunate in being able to make the most of our size: large enough to support all our shops, businesses and other organisations but small enough to get to know one another and care for all sections of our community. There's no reason why we can't win for a third time - but we're up against some strong competition."

More information from Dick Smith 01428 608666.