The village of Belleek received a huge boost this week with the announcement that it has been named Calor Village of the Year 2008.

Aimed at celebrating vibrant, enterprising and caring communities that make the most of local opportunities, Belleek fought off stiff competition from 16 shortlisted villages across Northern Ireland to take the coveted title and a cash prize of £5,000 at a prestigious awards' ceremony hosted by TV personality John Craven on Thursday afternoon.

The news came as a great boost to the village which, in the past week has faced a number of blows with the announcement of more redundancies at Belleek Pottery, and the threat of closure of St. Mary's High School, Brollagh and Stepping Stones Childcare Facility.

Belleek was nominated by Belleek and District Community Partnership, an umbrella group for 30 smaller community groups and clubs in the Belleek area. The village was represented on the day by its project co-ordinator, Joanne Cunningham, chairperson Marie O'Shea, vice-chairperson Kay McGoldrick and administration officer, Debbie McGrath.

Belleek now goes forward to represent Northern Ireland and compete against the winners from England, Scotland and Wales for the UK title in December.

The competition, which was run in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC), assessed communities on five aspects of rural life, including building community life, business, young people, environment and older people.

In making the announcement, RDC's Chief Executive, Martin McDonald, congratulated what he described as, a 'caring, innovative and buzzing village'.

"From the outset of this competition, Belleek has shown an enthusiasm and spirit that has been unsurpassed. The judging visit was a whirlwind of information, resources, stories and guided tours of the many facilities and activities available in the village. We were welcomed to créche facilities, mother and toddler groups, young at heart clubs, music clubs, organic gardening groups, even yoga for babies!

"Known world-wide for its pottery", he went on, " Belleek displayed outstanding effort, consistency and achievement in all categories. Innovative use of local buildings impressed the judges, from church halls, to local schools, from the hotel to the fire station. Innovative projects have engaged people from all ages and backgrounds, enabling them to be and feel included, no matter what their age, projects which are recognised far beyond this small village.

"The village has so much more to offer, caring for elderly, youth, young mothers, even stray cats."

Meanwhile, Marie O'Shea, the Chairperson of the Belleek and District Community Partnership said she was delighted with the Award.

"We are very surprised, but we put in a lot of effort in entering the competition, so it is nice to get this recognition for the community, and certainly for Joanne (Cunningham), it is great for her and the hard work she has put in to be recognised. It is a huge boost for Belleek. This award will help raise its profile."