GREEN-fingered Kinver residents are delighted that their hard work has led to them clinching a top title in the search for South Staffordshire's most immaculate villages.

Judges from South Staffordshire Community Council voted Kinver the winner of the large village category in this year's Best Kept Village competition.

The weeding, sweeping and tidying began in January as the dedicated team from Kinver's Best Kept Village Committee targeted hotspots that required attention.

John Perry, chairman of the Best Kept Village working group, visited Kinver in May and June to pass judgement.

He said: "What impressed me was the consistency, all open spaces were in good shape and they kept them that way for the duration of the competition.

"St Peter's Church was beautifully maintained with well cut grass and lovely planting and there was also a wonderful display of children's posters of remembrance."

Organiser of the Kinver committee, Lin Hingley, said she was delighted the community had pulled together to keep areas tidy and said dog owners had not only picked up after their pets but also collected litter.

She continued: "We are all over the moon, we aim to keep the village looking lovely for visitors to enjoy."

Mrs Hingley said she is on the lookout for keen gardeners to join the committee and businesses and community groups to look after dedicated areas ahead of next year's competition.

Anyone willing to help should contact Mrs Hingley on 01384 872958.