A North Yorkshire village's recipe for success is going global with a specially-commissioned report.

Residents in Sheriff Hutton already know they are on to a winning formula after being crowned community village of the year in 2000.

But now the secrets of what makes the village so special are to be investigated in an in-depth case study by the competition's sponsors, Calor Gas.

Sheriff Hutton was praised for the emphasis placed on community links when it won the 2000 competition.

Judges said: "The whole ethos of Sheriff Hutton is one of care, courtesy, friendship and support.

"A strong spirit has prevailed to give a rich community life and one which will ensure its long-term future."

The study has now been commissioned to honour the village's win two years ago, and to provide a means of sharing "best practice" information with other villages hoping to emulate its success.

Sheriff Hutton was prevented from entering last year because of its win in 2000, but this year residents are hoping to catch the judge's eye once more.

Ryedale district councilllor Alan Farnaby, who is also parish clerk, said he was very pleased Sheriff Hutton was being recognised.

He said: "Communities don't just happen, they have to be worked at and Sheriff has worked very hard.

"There's a lot of people who do a lot of work for the community, it's not just one or two. It's the work in the background that people don't see that keeps it going."

A spokesperson for Calor Gas said winning the award in 2000 probably came as no surprise to residents.

"The care and enthusiasm lavished on the facilities by its residents has its roots in hundreds of years of community life.

"It will take more than a change in employment trends to subdue the indomitable sense of community spirit on which this village is founded."

Doreen Berriman, village of the year co-ordinator at Yorkshire Rural Community Council, said she was thrilled Sheriff Hutton had been singled out for praise.

She said: "I am delighted it has been highlighted.

"It is obviously still up there in people's memories even though it is two years ago now since it won."

But Coun Farnaby said there were more plans in store for Sheriff Hutton.

An appraisal looking into what is currently provided, and what residents want to see over the next three years, is under way to plan out this award-winning village's future.

Updated: 11:05 Thursday, April 11, 2002