A WEALTH of talent and community spirit, was on show in Orton Market Hall when judging took place for the Northern Finalist of Village of the Year. Orton was selected to represent Cumbria in the Calor Gas sponsored competition and the winner of the northern event will go forward to the national final, which will be held next month.

Jane Brook, secretary of Orton Market Hall Trustees and Farmers Market Organiser, welcomed the three judges, who were only allowed to stay for two hours, and outlined why she believed that Orton would be a worthy winner of the award. She said she had lived in over 20 places throughout the world, but had never found anywhere to compare with Orton, for such a strong, caring community. The village is very self-sufficient, businesses employ local labour whenever possible and, for a village of 260 residents that includes children and the elderly, 50 were in some way involved in voluntary work. "In how many villages could you buy a special guitar, home-grown beetroot and handmade chocolates, within a few hundred yards walk?" she asked.

She introduced Jackie Huck, the village poet' who had written a poem for the occasion and the lines: So this then is Orton, a wonderful place/Our community spirit's the best/It's loaded with talent, friendship and love/And I hope you are duly impressed.' led into an extract from the Millennium Video, commissioned to celebrate the year 2000, showing a year in the life of the parish.

Then the judges walked around the many exhibits in the main hall and meeting room.

Orton School had a large display showing its wide spread of subjects and activities, and two children in their distinctive Orton School' blue jerseys, were present. Also The Friends of Orton School', who have raised many thousands of pounds, had their stand.

The Orton Youth Club display showed the young people involved in swimming, on the climbing wall', Go Karting and many other activities, besides the sports and disco events held in the market hall.

Orton Church and Methodists Chapel displayed their work within the village and surrounding parish. Showing the Sunday School and Junior Drama Group, and the annual church exhibition, one among many events.

Orton Luncheon Club, which was started in the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth epidemic of 2001, meets monthly. Food is provided by the New Village Tea Rooms.

The 'Sew-e-Sews' Craft Group displayed tapestry, embroidery, lace-work, rugs, decoupage cards and many other skills. The new History Society showed old photographs and documents, and local artist Pauline Henderson displayed her work and that of her pupils.

The Parish Council exhibit documented its work, and just some of the projects spearheaded by the council over the last few years while the successful Orton Farmers' Market had a large display, showing the wide range of products on sale and looking back on the visit of HRH The Prince of Wales.

Greenholme Show displayed its cups and catalogues, John and Margaret Falshaw showed the large amount of money raised for Arthritis Research and the Poppy Day Appeals.

Businesses represented were The New Village Tea Rooms, Mad Monks Musical Instruments, The George Hotel, Kennedy's Chocolates, Orton Village Stores and Post Office, Westmorland Ltd, Lakes & Dales Born & Bred', Park Farm Racing Stables and Barn House bed and breakfast. Each business put on a display of its work, and had members of staff on hand to answer questions.

The village will learn in early November whetherr it had been successful.