Burton Bradstock and Winterbourne Zelston came out on top at the Dorset Best Village awards.

The Dorset Echo-backed competition is in its 29th year, and main sponsors Magna announced at the awards ceremony at Puddletown Village Hall that they would continue to support the event for its 30th year in 2016.

Burton Bradstock picked up the award for the best large village and Winterbourne Zelston picked up the award for the best small village. The Dorset Echo awards for previous winners were won by Shipton Gorge (small village) and Child Okeford (large village).

Organiser Rita Burden said there had been a record number of entries this year.

"All these entries prove what an enterprising lot you are. Village life is flourishing and community spirit is still very much alive."

A new category this year was the neighbourliness award, won by Okeford Fitzpaine. Villagers produce a welcome booklet, organise clean up days, fundraising activities and bulk buy winter fuel to cut down on the cost for residents.

Michael Wood, who received the prize on behalf of the group, said: “We were very surprised to win, but very pleased too. The money we won will probably be put towards the defibrillator.

“We’re not standing still though. The group is still planning new things such as a cafe in the village hall on a Saturday morning.

“I was really surprised at the support from we got when we set the group up, but it is great because it includes just about everyone in the village. All it needed was a bit of inspiration to bring the community together.

The competition is also sponsored by Dorset County Council and four district councils, as well as a number of local businesses.

Cllr Andrew Cattaway, vice chairman of Dorset County Council, said: "We are a rural county with four rural district councils taking part in this event. It is a wonderful example of communities working together with local authorities and the voluntary sector."

Rupert Hardy, chairman of Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), presented the award for the best village shop to Thorncombe.

The Best Environment category was won by Burton Bradstock's corncrake project and the neighbour car scheme at Bere Regis won the People's Project, which is awarded to the village judged to have the best project involving local, active people.

WINNERS

East Dorset District Council special award: Alderholt

North Dorset District Council special award: Tarrant Hinton

Purbeck District Council special award: Studland

West Dorset District Council special award: Frampton

First time entrant: Symondsbury

People's Project award: Bere Regis

People's project award runner up: Symondsbury

Environmental Champion award: Burton Bradstock

Environmental Champion runner up: Shroton

Best Village Shop: Thorncombe

Best Village Shop runner up: Motcombe

Nieghbourliness award: Okeford Fitzpaine

Previous winners small village: Shipton Gorge

Previous winners small village runners up: Loders

Previous winners large village: Child Okeford

Previous winners large village runners up: Winfrith

Hamlets award: Melcombe Horsey

Hamlets award runner up: Alton Pancras

Small Village award: Winterbourne Zelston

Small Village runner up: Wooton Fitzpaine

Small Village third place: Edmondsham

Large Village award: Burton Bradstock

Large Village runner up: Okeford Fitzpaine

Large Village third place: Sturminster Marshall