A VILLAGE near Darlington has been named the best village in the Tees Valley - a year after coming second in the same competition.

Sadberge landed top spot in the Calor Tees Valley Village of the Year competition after judges toured the four finalists.

It will now go forward to compete against other villages across the country.

Sadberge defeated runners-up Moorsholm, from Redcar, east Cleveland, and joint third-placed villages Thorpe Thewles, near Stockton, and Middleton St George, near Darlington.

They were all assessed on six categories, covering community life, business, young people, old people, environment and computing.

Moorsholm was also recognised for its environmental work with a special award. Tees Valley Rural Community Council organised the competition.

Fiona Chesters, competition organiser, said: "They are an outstanding community and did exceptionally well in the county competition. We are sure that this success can be replicated at national level."

Sadberge has won £500, which will be put towards its summer village festival.

The national winners will be chosen later in the year with a total prize fund of £36,000 available.