THREE communities are in the running to be crowned as Suffolk's Village of the Year.And while all three would be worthy winners of the Calor-sponsored 2007 competition, one of the finalists - Levington, near Ipswich - is particularly keen to be in the news for the right reasons.

THREE communities are in the running to be crowned as Suffolk's Village of the Year.

And while all three would be worthy winners of the Calor-sponsored 2007 competition, one of the finalists - Levington, near Ipswich - is particularly keen to be in the news for the right reasons.

In December, the small village was thrown into a worldwide spotlight when the bodies of two missing women were discovered on its outskirts.

Police were already hunting the killer of three other women at the time of the terrible discovery.

Pat Pryke, a member of Levington Parish Council, said: “It was a difficult time for our community to have to deal with such harrowing and tragic events.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone here who quietly carried on with their lives as best they could with many of our roads closed and our bus services suspended.

“We have such a wonderful community spirit here and to win this would really give us something to celebrate.”

Also up for the coveted trophy is Herringswell, near Lakenheath, and Whepstead, near Bury St Edmunds.