THE organisers of a competition to find Lancashire's best kept villages have a problem - lack of judges.

A record number of entries for the Lancashire Best Kept Village competition means judges are being asked to assess up to three entries instead of the normal one.

The competition, now the largest of its kind in England, has this year attracted a record 124 entries.

A spokesman said more judges were needed for next year's competition so that it could continue to expand.

"The only alternative should we fail to increase the number of judges would be to restrict entry to the competition," he said.

The competition is going from strength to strength and the highest number of entries in last year's event, 24, came from Ribble Valley, which had winners in four classes and three second placings.

There were 12 entries from Pendle, which won one category, and two from Burnley, one of which was highly commended.

If you think you could be a judge, contact competition organiser Donald Cameron at the Community Council of Lancashire on 01772 717461.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.