A NEW award-winning vision for Burneside is being announced as the village looks to become a 'world class community'.

The villagers are being challenged to take more responsibility and ownership of local matters to ensure a more sustainable and vibrant economy as well as leaving a legacy for future generations.

Parish Councillor Tony Hill travelled to the House of Lords to receive the Public Sector Hero Award on behalf of the Burneside Partnership - which seeks to develop localism within the community.

Infrastructure, services and better relationships between the local public and private sectors are all at the core of the partnership's work as it hopes to create a more prosperous future for the village.

Cllr Hill said: "The Localism Act means communities are given more responsibility and ownership for the future to take responsibility for local matters. It's about having a vision for your community for the future. I wanted to enthuse local people and take it to the heart of central government.

"It's a vision for what Burneside can become, which is a confident community that is taking ownership and has big ambitions.

"We've got all the assets, the mill that employs 500 people, we're right on the edge of the National Park and we've got fantastic rail links.

"We're looking at how we can develop the infrastructure of our community and bring better services.

"We want to be a world class community with world class facilities."

The award was presented to Cllr Hill in Westminster, making Burneside one of only 38 communities in the United Kingdom to scoop the prize.

The plan is now being released to several local employers such as James Cropper Plc and Ellergreen Hydro Ltd as they look to further their relationships with the local population to build a stronger community.

David Ginsberg, Chair of Burneside Parish Council, said: "I’m absolutely delighted that the work that Tony and the community are doing, has been recognised at a national level. It was an inspirational day in London which demonstrated to me that communities, such as Burneside, can adapt to meet new challenges in a positive and proactive way."