The Wychavon Village of Culture is celebrating the end of its two-year reign.

Broughton Hackett, Churchill, Spetchley and White Ladies Aston were awarded the title in January 2020 after a successful joint bid.

The win saw the villages receive £5,000 to spend on cultural and community-focused activities designed to bring people together and showcase the best of the area.

Claire Marshall, member of the Wychavon Village of Culture organising committee, said: “We can look back over the last two years with great pride at what the villages have achieved.

“It has been a real triumph over adversity.

“Despite all the problems caused by the pandemic, everyone pulled together to deliver some impressive events.”

The first lockdown in March 2020 meant the committee were forced into thinking of new ways of engaging the community, including online workshops.

Because of the unusual situation, Wychavon District Council agree to extend the villages’ title by 12 months.

The Village of Culture was able to achieve even more during its second year.

Some of the projects introduced included a booklet of local historical walks, the Big Art Show highlighting local talent, an archaeological dig, a Halloween pumpkin-carving trail and a weekend visit from the Worcester Re-enactors.

There was also the revival of long-lost traditions such as ‘Beating the Bounds’ and ‘Wassailing’.

It is hoped these will become annual events as a lasting legacy of the project.

Cllr Rob Adams, executive board member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport on Wychavon District Council, said: “We’re so impressed with the work these villages have done in such difficult circumstances.

“They’re a fantastic example of the strong sense of community that exists in Wychavon and an inspiration for other areas looking to become Wychavon’s Village of Culture.”

A competition will be held to find the next Wychavon Village of Culture in 2023, with more details to be released later this year.