SIX proud communities are to battle for the title of Yorkshire village of the year, it was announced yesterday.

The contest, sponsored by gas company Calor, is being run for villages in the north-east of the county this year, following a switch to a new format.

Glaisdale, Sheriff Hutton, Osgoodby, Thornton-le-Dale, Hutton Buscel and Wombleton will be judged next month and the winner announced in July.

The winner will go on to represent Yorkshire in the national finals, which have a £28,500 prize fund.