Judges have chosen two villages in Sussex to enter a national competition.

Newick, near Lewes, and Ashington, near Storrington, have been named the Sussex Villages of the Year.

The two winners of the competition, run by the Sussex Rural Community Council, will go forward to the Village of the Year for England and Wales Competition.

The judges were impressed with Newick because of its wide range of village activities, the excellent community spirit and welcome pack available for new residents.

Ashley Stewart, barman at The Royal Oak in Newick, said: "I'm not surprised the village has won, there is a really good community spirit here.

"We are packed here on a Friday night and instead of people talking in small groups everyone gets on together. It's great. It makes it a really good atmosphere."

Terry Coombes, postmaster at Newick Post Office, said: "I think it is because Newick has everything. It's got a tremendous number of facilities. There are more than 40 different clubs in the village, with something for everyone. Also, it still has its village shops, there is a village post office, pharmacy and bakery which is unusual these days.

"Then there are the people themselves. Everyone is welcoming and hospitable."

Ashington was chosen by the judges because is had retained its village character despite being extensively developed.

In its report, the panel said: "It was felt that Ashington should go forward as a model for enhancement to an area where there has been vast development.

"New houses blend well with existing buildings and social housing has been included."

The judges were impressed with activities provided for children and young people, neighbourhood watch and the care schemes for older people.

Phyllis Henshaw, who works at Ashington Social Club and has lived in the village for 18 years, said: "Ashington has changed a lot over the past five years but it is still a nice place to live. Even though it has expanded it still has a village atmosphere.

"There are a lot of things going on and lots of different clubs. We are due to get a new village hall soon and a new primary school was built last year. There have been a lot of new faces in the last few years. At one time you knew everyone, at least by sight, but it has not affected the place."

Fairlight, near Hastings, was highly recommended by the judging panel.

Ashington and Newick were grouped in the Southern England region of the national competition. The national winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on December 5.