LACOCK has been named the best historical town or village in the UK beating off stiff competition from the likes of Stratford-upon-Avon.

A panel of judges from Period Living magazine selected the north Wiltshire community as the winner in its Best of British Awards 2006.

In November, readers of the magazine were asked to nominate their favourite places in Britain, and votes poured in from all over the country.

Lacock, which is owned by the National Trust, reached the final round and judges awarded it the winning prize in the best historical village or town category.

The magazine article said: "The entire village is an architectural gem, lovingly renovated but unchanged for 250 years.

"Seven centuries have contributed to its character from its Tudor timber-framed houses with mullioned windows, to 17th century stone cottages, and fine brick-built Georgian mansions."

Chris Doel, chairman of Lacock Parish Council, believes it is the authenticity of the old buildings, mixed with the community spirit that makes the village special.

He said: "The whole village is very old and there are buildings from many different centuries, from the 11th to the 18th.

"With the help of the National Trust it has been kept as natural as possible and we try to keep it as authentic as we can.

"The people who live in Lacock are wonderful. We have every social class and every age group, which makes for a tremendous community life."

The judges from Period Living liked the way the village blends history with a modern way of life.

Special mention was given to the Gothic rectory now being used as the primary school, the old pottery being turned into a B&B and King John's Hunting Lodge housing a restaurant.

Tourists have been attracted to Lacock due to its popularity with film and TV producers.

Janet Harris, general manager at The George Inn, which has been a public house since 1361, said: "People come here because we are a quaint little village with a huge amount of history.

"The abbey brings in a lot of people, and extra interest has been generated since the village has been used as a location for filming Harry Potter, Moll Flanders and Pride and Prejudice.

"To win the award ahead of a place like Stratford-upon- Avon is a tremendous achievement."

Stourhead achieved runner-up place in the Best Period Garden category, losing out to the Castle and Gardens at Mey, Caithness.