Selborne Village Hall received the prestigious title of Village Hall of the Year Award at the NFU Countryside 2004 Awards for Excellence last week.

At a spectacular gala event at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, the national awards celebrate the countryside at a time when many issues threaten the future of rural life.

The award, sponsored by the NFU, was presented to Tim Rouse in recognition of the village hall and committee that has been most proactive in organising events and activities for the benefit of the community.

Selborne Village Hall fought off stiff competition from two other finalists - Batcombe Village Hall in Somerset and Ilsington Village Hall in Devon.

Mr Rouse, a hall management committee member, said: "The village hall committee and I are very pleased to have our achievements recognised by NFU Countryside in such a positive way."

Rural experts Simon Groom, a former Blue Peter presenter, Lesley Bayley, editor of NFU Countryside Magazine and Janice Houghton-Wallace, a past producer of the BBC television programme Countryfile, had the difficult task of judging the short listed finalists for each Award.

Speaking on behalf of the judges, Lesley Bayley said: "Congratulations to all our worthy winners and to everyone who was shortlisted. All the categories were very keenly contested and the judges had a difficult task, as the standard of entry was extremely high.

"It was fantastic to see the degree of commitment, innovative thinking, enthusiasm and sheer determination displayed by our winners.

"These individuals and organisations are enriching rural life and NFU Countryside is delighted that their achievements are being rewarded with national acclaim."

BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull presented the winners with their prizes and they also had the opportunity to meet and chat with winners, judges and other likeminded individuals.

Attendees were also able to take an exhilarating 20-minute drive in a 4x4 on the off-road track beside the Heritage Motor Centre and view the largest collection of classic, vintage and veteran British cars in the world.

Mike Schwarz, of NFU Countryside, said: "I would like to congratulate all of the winners and everyone who was nominated for the NFU Countryside Awards for Excellence.

"Every nomination received is proof that despite what we might hear and read, the countryside is thriving and these winners have proved this within their local communities."