Is your village vibrant?

The closing date is May 31 and judges will be out and about during June and July to select the most active communities in East and West Sussex.

The competition is run by Action in Rural Sussex and the winners will be announced at an awards evening on Friday, September 14 at Ashington Village Hall in West Sussex.

The overall winner will receive 1,000, with 250 for runners up in each of three categories for both East and West Sussex.

Last year's county winner was Herstmonceux, with Fairlight, Hassocks and Forest Row as runners up.

Shirley James, the chair of the judging panel, said: 'We know there are many villages in Sussex which are very active in working to build vibrant communities and improve local facilities and services '“ and these are the communities who should put themselves forward for Village of the Year.

'There are many challenges facing rural life today '“ for example the threat to local shops and post offices, a need for activities for young and old, access to public transport and affordable homes.

'However, there are also communities across East and West Sussex determined to tackle these issues and make a difference, and we want to hear about them.'

To find out more visit www.calorvillageoftheyear.org