HANLEY Swan has been judged one of the country's top villages, winning the Business Award in the fourth Great Britain Village of the Year competition.

Judges praised the wide range of businesses, both in the centre and on the outskirts of the village, providing employment for local people and bringing customers into the area.

They singled out the Village Stores and Post Office as the jewel in Hanley's crown, saying it must be a source of local pride and an example to other rural communities.

"This business recently won a Village Initiative Award, enabling a small extension to house the Post Office counter and a computer area," said the judges.

"The shop not only stocks all the usual goods but offers newspaper deliveries, grocery and pension deliveries, a shoe repair service and a laundry service. It also provides a photocopier, fax machine, computer with printer, scanner and digital camera and allows Internet and e-mail access. Library and travel ticket facilities will soon be available on line. The store has its own web site and offers a personal e-mail box service.

"Supporting this 'super store' are an award-winning butcher's shop, family bakery, numerous small businesses, several farms, bed and breakfast houses and a village pub."

Hanley Swan, nominated after winning this year's Best Kept Village title, was among 42 villages in the national competition sponsored by Calor Gas and the Daily Telegraph.

The judges were looking for well-balanced, caring communities, making the best of local opportunities to enhance the quality of life for residents.

They also awarded prizes for environment, community life, care for young people and care for older people. Overall winner was Great Bentley in Essex.

The judges said: "A village that can maintain, support and even enhance its business life has already gone a long way towards ensuring its long-term survival. In this respect, Hanley Swan are up with the leaders."

The village received £500 to spend on a community project and a plaque, copies of which will be hung in the post office and butcher's shop.