It may have a population of less than 3,000 but Sussex village Fernhurst does not stint on community spirit.

The village near Midhurst is prolific when it comes to voluntary organisations and always does things with flair.

This is why judges awarded the community the accolade of West Sussex village of the year at an awards' ceremony hosted at Ashington village hall.

With voluntary groups including church-run debating sessions in the local pub known as "Pints of View", a toddlers football group and a Housework Avoidance Group called HAGS, it is easy to see why judges were so charmed.

Villagers have also set up a volunteer-run community centre and internet cafe in a former delicatessen, which has proved a huge success with all ages.

The competition was organised by Action in Rural Sussex and sponsored by gas supplier Calor to award villages which work together to boost local quality of life.

Rotherfield was East Sussex village of the year. It is one of the oldest settlements in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dating back to Saxon times.

Judges praised villagers' for their welcoming approach to newcomers by publishing a welcome pack providing details on local attractions and walks. Village taxi firm Concorde Cars, also doubles as the community's tourist information centre and provides internet access and gallery space for artists.

Both overall winners received £1,000. Six further villages Alfriston, Forest Row and Mayfield in East Sussex and Tillington, Storrington and Fishbourne in West Sussex also picked up £250 cash prizes for their categories.

The judges also awarded the villages of Mayfield in East Sussex and Fishbourne in West Sussex runner-up prizes of £75.

Judges, trustees and staff from Action in Rural Sussex rated each entry on six aspects of village life including active communities, business opportunities, young people, older people, the environment and information communication technology.

Midhurst now has a chance to bid for the title of Calor Village of the Year for England 2007/08, an award achieved by Ashington in 2003.