Villagers have long enjoyed its community spirit but Ardingly has now been formally recognised as best village in West Sussex.
The community near Haywards Heath was judged the top settlement in the county in areas such as community life, local businesses, environmental measures and facilities for old and young.
It now represents West Sussex in the regional and, possibly, national finals.
Judges from the sponsor, gas merchants Calor, will be inspecting Ardingly later this month.
Parish councillor Rosemary Molony, who co-ordinated the village's entry, said: "Everyone is delighted."
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