A BIG win for Gnosall BKVC in this year’s Best Kept Village and Community Competition

The Best Kept Village and Community Awards Competition is a Staffordshire awards scheme which has been celebrating the county’s villages and communities for 70 years has recognised its latest winners at a special anniversary ceremony. Run by the Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire, the awards were launched in 1956 and continue to recognise the people and communities helping to make Staffordshire a great place to live.

Almost 20 volunteer judges – some of whom have been involved for more than 50 years – visit the entrants to assess their maintenance and community spirit. Appearance accounts for 30 per cent of the marks, while 70 per cent is based on evidence of inclusivity, year-round events, clubs and community cohesion.

And after being pipped to the post last year, this year Gnosall BKVC not only took the award for Best Large Village (South) but was the 2026 overall winner as well!

Gnosall scored 98 per cent for both appearance and community spirit, with judges highlighting the dedicated volunteers behind a wide range of projects and events throughout the year. The overall winner takes home £1,000 in prize money to spend on village projects.

Laura, Gary, and the Woodward family receiving their awards.

This is a huge accolade for Laura and the team, who work tirelessly throughout the year keeping the village looking its best.

Laura Pearson, Gnosall’s BKVC lead, said: “BKVC has brought the community together and it is great to be part of this village. There is something for everyone of all ages, including community groups, organisations and drop-in activities.

“I have lived in Gnosall for six years and I have changed as a person because of this community. It is a very proud moment for me and for the village, and this award means everything to us.”

And it wasn’t just BKVC that won, two local Gnosall lads, the Woodward brothers, who help out at every opportunity, won the Trailblazer award, and Odin was runner up in the 5-7 year age category poster competition.

Despite having won the competition overall, the BKVC team are not resting on their laurels and were back at it this weekend clearing pavements and making sure the village always has its best foot forward.

Volunteers are always welcome to join, even you can only do it every so often, every little bit helps. BKVC hold regular work parties, just pop along and speak to Laura, or if you cant make a work party but are happy to do a bit in your own time, get in touch to find out what areas need attention.

Congratulations to all.

Laura, Mike, Max and Mason with the County Winners cheque.