Okeford Fitzpaine has been awarded “The Best Large Village in Dorset 2018” presented by Dorset County Council in association with the Dorset Community Action. The event is sponsored by Magna Housing Association with over 40 villages entering the competition. This is a fantastic accolade and is as a result of a concerted effort lead by Mike Wood with community group volunteers and residents to present and keep our village up to a very high standard. Thanks to everyone who gave their time over the past 4 months to cleaning and tidying up the village and to those who planted and maintained the flower boxes/baskets. A plaque will be installed in the centre of the village to commemorate this event. In addition we were awarded the runners up title in the Environment Award for the Little Lane Project. Congratulations and thanks to Councillor Dilys Gartside and Jeremy Gartside  for their efforts in leading the project to achieving this award. All in all this has been a wonderful year in recognising the beauty of our village and the pride that has been shown by residents.