Burnham has won the award for 'best kept larger village' in the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Competition - meaning it can now compete for an even more prestigious award next year. 

The Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Competition was founded in 1957 as an initiative driven by Sir Francis Dashwood and the Local Councils’ Association.

Praise for Burnham from the judges included that it had a a strong sense of community, appreciation for its 'clearly well maintained war memorial with attractive flower beds', and its 'attractive floral displays and absence of litter'.

Adam Killeya, the clerk at Burham Parish Council clerk, praised residents for their hard work litter-picking and supporting the grounds team. 

He said: "We last won in 2019, and before that in 2001. 

"Our head grounds man Tim is very chuffed, and it definitely reflects the efforts that residents have contributed.

"It definitely think that it gives people a sense of pride in their village."

An award presentation - which includes a wrought iron sign to display in the village - will be held at Burnham Park Hall on the morning of Saturday, September 21. Any members of the public are welcome to attend. 

Now the parish council and staff are looking forward to next year's competition - as Burnham can compete for an even more prestigious accolade. 

Adam said: "It does mean we get to entered in to the champions category next year.

"I have to admit, I am keen to see how we can do next year."

This year the judges also praised the villages' 'great range of well looked after play equipment and green space', including the George Pitcher Memorial Ground and Nature Park.

Bill Chapple, Chairman of the Best Kept Village Competition, said the village had seen off stiff competition from across the region, with the village of Haddenham coming in second behind Burnham. 

He said: “Thank you to all those villages and towns who took part in this year’s Competition. The standard of entries was again very high and showed how much diverse community effort is put in to keep our villages and towns looking so nice."

The Sword of Excellence - the category for best overall village - was awarded to Cheddington, between Oxford and Luton.