Gnosall has made Stafford Borough proud after winning Staffordshire's Best Kept Village.

Now in its 70th year, the Best Kept Village and Community Awards (BKVC), run by the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, highlight people and communities helping to make the county a fantastic place to live.

Entrants are visited by judges who assess their maintenance and community spirit.

Some of the almost 20 volunteer judges have been involved in the awards for more than 50 years.

Appearance accounts for 30 per cent of the marks, while 70 per cent is based on evidence of inclusivity, year-round events, clubs and community cohesion.

A score of 98% for both appearance and community spirit secured Gnosall's title of overall winner and the prize of £1000 to spend on community projects.

The village was congratulated on the wide range of projects and events which have been organised and hosted by dedicated volunteers throughout the year in the area.

Gnosall also won Best Large Village (South), while Endon was named Best Large Village (North), Grindon won Best Small Village (North) and Drayton Bassett was named Best Small Village (South).

Laura Pearson, Gnosall's BKVC lead, said: "BKVC has brought the community together and it is great to be part of this village.

"There is something for everyone of all ages, including community groups, organisations and drop-in activities.

"I have lived in Gnosall for six years and I have changed as a person because of this community.

"It is a very proud moment for me and for the village, and this award means everything to us."

Steve Adams, chief executive of the Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire, said: "For 70 years, these awards have been celebrating the people and places which make Staffordshire so special.

"While the name of the scheme has remained, the way we judge it has evolved.

"Today, it is about so much more than how a village looks – it is about community spirit, people coming together and everything that happens throughout the year to make somewhere a great place to live.

"Reaching our 70th anniversary is a fantastic milestone, and it is a real privilege to be able to continue a tradition which shines a light on the huge amount of voluntary work taking place in communities across Staffordshire."

The competition was launched in 1956 by Sir Alfred Owen, during his time as chairman of Staffordshire County Council.

His grandson, Nick Owen, represented lead sponsor, the Owen Family Trust, at the 2026 awards ceremony.

He said: "My family is very proud of our long association with the Best Kept Village and Community Awards.

"My grandad Sir Alfred Owen helped establish the competition 70 years ago, so it is particularly special for us to be supporting this milestone anniversary year.

"It is a wonderful way of celebrating the people who give their time and energy to make their communities better places to live, and we are delighted to play a part in recognising their achievements."