THE search is on to find the Calor Village of the Year in the western area of North Yorkshire.

The competition, run each year by the York-based Yorkshire Rural Community Council (YRCC), aims to be a catalyst to bring communities together and to build on community life.

"Participating in the competition helps them realise what they have achieved and gives them a vision for the future," said Philip Lawson, of the competition committee.

A first prize of £750 will be awarded to the winner, with £350 going to the runner-up.

Parish councils and community organisations in villages are being urged to enter by May 31.

In addition, YRCC is also again running its Village Ventures competition in South and West Yorkshire.

It aims to encourage initiatives from community groups, parish councils and other organisations, which benefit people living in rural areas.

Mr Lawson said: "It is a chance for communities to show off the projects that have been achieved in the area and be in the running for both prestige and a cash prize."

Calor says the competition is part of its rural community development programme to engender well balanced and vibrant rural communities.

A top prize of £500 is to be awarded, with £250 for the runner-up.

This year's competition has been given a further boost with a new project, Building Community Life, backed by Calor and Defra, the Government's environmental and rural affairs department.

A £500 prize is on offer, which is being funded through a Defra grant to the competition, in various areas of the country.

The awards will be presented later this year at the YRCC's annual meeting.

For further details, contact YRCC at William House, Shipton Road, Skelton, York YO30 1XF, or call (01904) 645271.