A village in the North-East has been selected as one of the top five in a national competition.

Romaldkirk, in Teesdale, has been shortlisted in a search organised by Country Life magazine to find England's favourite village.

The country was divided into five regions with one village from each chosen for the shortlist.

The Duchess of Devonshire, who represented the North of England, nominated Romaldkirk for the shortlist.

She said: "Set amid glorious countryside in County Durham, it is a prime example of a present-day village achieving the right balance between maintaining traditions and being open to change for the benefit of the community.

"We have in our mind's eye what a village should look like physically, but it takes people to bring community spirit to life and I think Romaldkirk strongly reflects this quality."

Councillor Madeleine Watson, the ward member for Romaldkirk and vice-chairman of Teesdale District Council, said she was delighted at the choice.

She said: "I think it's wonderful. It's a very astute comment by the judge. I would say it applies to many villages round here but with special relevance to Romaldkirk.

"It's excellent news for the area and the people of Romaldkirk."

Clive Aslet, the editor of Country Life, said: "The competition is about far more than just beautiful churches and a gentle, undulating patchwork of fields.

"It considers all factors that make the countryside such a wonderful place to live, ranging from schools, services and amenities to beauty, friendliness and the village's contribution to enriching one's quality of life."

The other finalists in the competition were Cerne Abbas in Dorset, Kingham in Oxfordshire, Irnham in Lincolnshire and Aldbury in Hertfordshire.

The winner will be announced in Country Life on November 11.