St Dogmaels residents endured a nerve wracking visit from a Calor Village of the Year judge last week.

The village had already submitted a written entry to participate in this prestigious event, and this was their chance to bring their community to life.

Melrose Thomas, who spent two hours showing the judge around the village, said: "The judge seemed very positive about what we have achieved."

The aim of the competition is to celebrate the richness of village life and to mark the achievements of individual communities.

Judges are looking for proof as to why each place deserves national recognition and a share of the £8,500 prize fund.

A total of eight villages in south Wales put the finishing touches to their presentations this month. One will be joined by a village from north Wales to go through to the final stages of the competition.

The overall Welsh winner will be given £1,500 prize money, and £500 in prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category.

The results of the competition will be revealed at an awards ceremony on October 31.