MAKE ours a double - that's been the motto for the prettiest villages in Gwent this year. No fewer than three entries in the Gwent Best-Kept Village competition came first in their class AND picked up another prize.

Ponthir did just that and retained its overall title in the class for populations over 1,000. It also boasted the best pub in the category - Ponthir House.

Ponthir community councillor Judith Morgan said everyone wanted their homes to look nice, though the village had seen lots of houses built in recent years.

"We still have this lovely village atmosphere," she said. "I think we are all fortunate to live in such a wonderful village. We don't have too much vandalism, which is rather nice because we have elderly people living here and children who have come from Caerleon."

Llanellen, between Pontypool and Abergavenny, was described by the judges as "almost faultless" in the 351-1,000 population class and has been chosen to represent the competition in the Calor Gas/DailyTelegraph Village of the Year contest for England and Wales. It also won the prize for best churchyard.

Joyce Breillat, chairman of Llanellen village hall committee, said: "We help to keep the village neat and tidy and everyone in the village plays his part with regular litter picks. My husband helps with the upkeep of the church grounds as well as cutting grass on the verges."

Llanvaches, between Penhow and Caerwent, won the 51-350 class as well as the prize for the best village hall.

Community council clerk Phil Hoines said: "I think it is a reflection on the residents that they have kept their gardens so neat and tidy. Gwen Holloway keeps the hall really spick and span. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she really does make it look nice."

The competition's 21 awards were shared by 18 villages Gwent schools impressed with a range of environmental and plant projects.

*PICTURED: From left, Geraint Lloyd, of Llanellen Church, Bonnie Russell, secretary of the Llanellen Village Hall committee, and community councillors Norman Davies, Joyce and John Breillat