VILLAGERS in Waddington today revealed the secrets behind their success after winning the Best Kept Village in Lancashire contest

The village, near Clitheroe, came first in the Small Village section for the first time since 1985.

In a ceremony in Coronation Gardens representatives from the village were presented with a cup and a plaque.

Parish councillor, Katharine Dyson, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won. Although we have always done well in the past, this is the first time we have won for a long time and we are very proud because it is such a pretty place."

Highlights of the village, which has around 450 houses, include the Coronation Gardens and its small, bubbling, stream, known as The Brook.

Mark Sleet, Minister of Waddington Methodist Church moved to the area from Southport 15 months ago.

"I like it very much," he said. "It's a small, quiet community with an interesting mix of people.

"Some of our members look after the flower beds at the church and try to keep it clean and tidy. There is no litter and people are very proud of the area."

Jean Keynon and husband Dennis have lived in Waddow View for 16 years and tend the church gardens and flowers.

"We are proud to call this place home, it's a very lovely place."

Cynthia Procter who works at the Country Kitchen Cafe grew up in Waddington and has returned to work in the village.

"It's a beautiful place and people are very conscious about keeping it nice," she said

Owner of the local post office in Clitheroe Road, Graham Cunliffe, is still a relative newcomer after moving from Burnley three and a half years ago.

He said: "It's a nice place to live and the people are friendly.