COMMUNITIES will soon find out if they have been successful in the Dorset Best Village Awards.

The competition is run by Dorset Community Action , with Magna Housing Association as main sponsor.

Organiser Rita Burden said: “In spite of heavy rain forcing us to extend our period of judging, there’s been a very good standard this year.

“It was a pleasure to go round and visit different communities.”

There were more than 55 entries this year including for the people’s project and the environmental champions award.

The competition is split into different categories with awards for best kept large and small villages and the top hamlet.

Last year it was North Dorset’s night, with Pimperne scooping best large village and Tarrant Monkton winning best small village. Alton Pancras in the Piddle Valley won best hamlet.

East Dorset District Council is hosting the awards presentation this year with a ceremony at Corfe Mullen Village Hall on Friday, September 21.