RESIDENTS of a Pendle village are celebrating after putting on a blooming good show to scoop first prize in a prestigious countryside competition.

The picturesque village of Blacko, near Barrowford, has been singled out for an award in this year's Best Kept Village Competition.

The village was named winner in the Small Village Class after judges inspected houses, gardens and public spaces.

"Last year we didn't manage to get out as much because of the foot and mouth crisis, but villages like Blacko have put the competition back on course," said Thiza Ainsworth, chairman of the competition.

Blacko Village Store proprietor Jean Lord said everyone in the village had worked hard to pull off the award.

Jean is in charge of updating the village notice board. She said: "That is just a small contribution to the hard work which has been put in by a lot of people living here.

"Everyone has contributed and has worked really, really hard to win the award."

Judges for the competition praised those living in the village for its litter-free lanes and tidy gardens.

Thiza added: "Blacko was very tidy and weed free."

"The overall standard is going up. I have been involved for 14 years and the top villages are getting better."

Gisburn Road resident Jean Brown 69, has lived in the same house for 45 years and says the standard of the village has increased over the years.

The retired primary school teacher said: "People living here are all very good and tend to look after their own properties.

"It is nice to get everybody involved because the village is very attractive and colourful.

Sponsors for the event include Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Tourism Partnership, who will provide a plaque and a trophy to be displayed in the village.

Chairman of Blacko Parish Council Peter Hesketh, who helped to co-ordinate the campaign, said Blacko had had tough competition.

He said: We were up against another village in the final so it was very heated.

"We were all delighted when we found out on Saturday that we had won because a lot of dedication and work by all the residents has gone into winning the award."