A PICTURE-postcard village has taken a top title.

Glaisdale, near Whitby, won the title Yorkshire Village of the Year, with Wombleton near Kirkbymoorside, the runner-up. Hutton Buscel was highly-commended and Osgodby commended.

The annual competition, now in its sixth year, is run by the Yorkshire Rural Community Council and sponsored by Calor Gas.

Judges spent two days visiting the short-listed villages and said they found evidence of strong community spirit wherever they went.

The judges' spokesman, Doreen Berriman, said: "The people of Glaisdale, our winners, have a lot going on and are working hard to improve the quality of life for all the residents.

"Currently, there is a scheme to provide housing for older people in the area, enabling them to stay in their own village. The local Women's Institute were also commended for their efforts in overcoming bureaucracy to provide public toilets in the centre of the village."

Glaisdale will now represent Yorkshire in the national contest, competing against 40 other villages from across the country.