CATON has won the village of the year award.

It won the business award in a national competition and the 2,706 residents will be awarded £500 for a community project and a permanent plaque.

One of the judges commented: "What impressed us was the way the village had encouraged and then supported those doing business. A particular example was a local commercial transport company which has won a number of environmental awards. The village was asked how it was able to support so many businesses and the answer was 'we make sure our goods and services are as good or better than anywhere else.' We found this a most refreshing and enterprising attitude and one which is likely to create long term benefit for the village."

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