VILLAGES across the country could soon be emulating the success of a North Yorkshire community.

Sheriff Hutton, between Malton and York, was crowned the Community Village of the Year in 2000.

Now the secrets of what makes the village so special are to be investigated in an in-depth study by the competition's sponsor, Calor Gas.

Two years ago the competition judges said: "The whole ethos of Sheriff Hutton is one of care, courtesy, friendship and support.

"A strong spirit has prevailed to give a rich community life and one which will ensure its long-term future."

The study has been commissioned to provide a means of sharing "best practice" information with other villages hoping to emulate its success.

Local councillor Alan Farnaby said: "Communities don't just happen, they have to be worked at, and Sheriff has worked very hard.

"There are a lot of people who do a lot of work for the community, it's not just one or two.

"It's the work in the background that people don't see that keeps it going.