BIDFORD'S Village Liaison Officer has been crowned the best in the business for the work she has carried out in her community.

Heather Gerrard, of Holland Close, scooped the title after having been involved in the Village Liaison Scheme since it started about 16 months ago.

The project was set up on behalf of the Rural Services Partnership in Stratford and there are about 20 other village officers working in Warwickshire.

Their aim is to improve voluntary services in rural areas and to help people living in rural communities to find out more about voluntary and statutory services available to them.

"I'm a signpost for people, helping with housing, carers, Age Concern, the Lone Parents Initiative - all ages really," said Mrs Gerrard.

"I'm a friendly face in the village if people need me."

Mrs Gerrard has developed close links with the parish council and has also supported the Lone Parents Initiative.

She has worked with the village school to discuss new learning opportunities, helped with housing, the charity Age Concern and promoted the project to a wide variety of groups and organisations in Bidford.

Mrs Gerrard said: "It was a shock when I was told that I had won the award and it was absolutely amazing and thrilling to be given it."