A VILLAGE is celebrating after winning Yorkshire's Village of the Year title.

People in Shelley put their success down to a lot of hard work by everyone living there.

Six shortlisted villages were judged in June on community life, older people, younger people, information communications technology, the environment and business.

The win means Shelley will now represent Yorkshire in the national round of the contest.

They will be judged against 45 other villages.

Shelley Community Association co-ordinated the entry to the competition.

But the winning result was down to hard work by all Shelley's businesses, residents, church and community groups.

Community Association president Ann Priestman said: "We are surprised and delighted to get this far. It is a wonderful award which recognises the achievements of so many individuals working in the village.

"It also recognises the spirit of the village, which is to be friendly.

"We want to fly the flag for Yorkshire as well as we are able."

Janet Metcalfe, who is new to Shelley, agreed.

She said: "I have not been here long and I have found it so friendly. It is a beautiful village."

Malcolm McDonald is a member of Kirkburton Parish Council and environmental officer for Shelley Community Association.

He said: "We are delighted. People don't show off, but they are inwardly pleased."

Mr McDonald has been involved in many recent projects to improve the environment in Shelley.

These included creating conservation gardens and improving pathways.

Shelley also boasts a healthy amount of drama and music events, plus unusual social functions.

Mr McDonald said: "We like to have fun and push the boundaries.

"We've had unusual things like classical concerts and Jane Austen nights and they have attracted people from Shelley and beyond.

"We don't have many shops or meeting places and we are spread out, but we make the best of what we have got."

As a reward for the village's success, the 50 people most closely involved in the Yorkshire Village of the Year project will enjoy a champagne reception at Armitage's Garden Centre in Shelley on Thursday.

The Yorkshire Village of the Year award will be presented on September 18.