VILLAGERS hope to put their community on the map by showing judges of a national competition that their neighbourhood is one of the best in the North-East.

Sedgefield village has made it through to the regional heat of the Calor Village of the Year contest and is vying for a place in the national final.

Judges will consider the strength of community spirit, groups, elderly people, business and young people when they visit Sedgefield on October 18.

They want the village to come together to give a presentation on why they love the place and to see local groups, the community college and community association.

A public meeting will be held in the town council offices at 7pm on Thursday to discuss how to impress the judges.

"If we win the region it is £1,500 for the village, and a national win £6,000," said Councillor John Robinson, leader of Sedgefield Town Council.