HARTLEY Wintney is in the running to be named Hampshire’s village of the year.

The village has been shortlisted for the 2012 Hampshire Village of the Year contest for its efforts during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Hartley Wintney Parish Council gave out free party packs to 32 street parties that took place in the village during the celebrations.

Judges were also impressed with a 2012 scrapbook produced by 16-year-old Charlotte Shurvington, whose mother Councillor Laura Shurvington is the head of the planning and infrastructure committee at the village’s parish council.

The scrapbook took in 14 events that took place in the village during the year.

The other villages shortlisted include Bishop’s Sutton, Compton & Shawford, Rowlands Castle, Vernham Dean and Wickham.

Lead judge Steven Lugg, chief executive of Hampshire Association of Local Councils, said the standard of entries was the highest for seven years.

He added: “Although the results will not be released until the presentation evening at Bishop’s Sutton on September 25, it is safe to say that the quality of this submission means that Hartley Wintney will be among the prize-winners again this year.”

Councillor Cathy Roberts, vice-chairman of Hartley Wintney Parish Council, told The Gazette : “The council is delighted to have been recognised for our contribution in this Diamond Jubilee and Olympic year. “It has been wonderful to see the community come together.”

The categories of the contest, sponsored by Fuller’s Brewery, include one for an inspirational individual, best small village of the year, and the overall winner.