Residents in a place locals have described as "Britain's kindest village" have hit out at blighting the area.

Since Trawden, Lancashire, was named by The Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the Northwest of England in 2022, crime has increased, residents say. They have described a spike in burglaries, criminals on electric bikes targeting farmers and even sheep rustling among recent problems.

Chantelle Smith, a beautician in the village, said: "We had a spate of burglaries after we were named one of the most beautiful places to live which is ironic. It seemed to attract criminals. Houses were then broken into and a few cars were taken as well. A few were broken into near me."

And the 31-year-old mother, who has lived in Trawden all her life, also described chaotic scenes at school pickup times when parents have "shouting arguments" over parking spaces on the small rural roads.

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The behaviour jars with the qualities of many of the approximate 2,700 residents, who regularly volunteer at the village pub, library and Post Office. Others in the village, set among stunning Pennine scenery, help staff vital amenities, such as ferrying elderly residents to community events.

Harmony has been so strong a plant sale has been regularly held in Trawden. In recent years, it has featured an honesty box so people could pay - but thieves targeted it last time. Sarah Cockburn-Price, a local councillor, said: "There has sadly been an increase in crime in Trawden recently."

And Sue Hemingway, 68, told  rural crime is a real issue in the village, which is near Burnley. The retired nurse added: "Farmers have been robbed of quad bikes, tools and machinery. It's a real problem and seems to be getting worse as police are more and more stretched.

" have gone up and there have been a few arguments over parking. All houses seem to have to have two cars these days. But this is a fantastic place to live - I love it."

The inspiring volunteering initiatives which put Trawden on the map began a decade ago when villagers formed the Trawden Forest Community Centre charity. They feared the village was dying as its community centre faced closure so residents took matters into their own hands, buying it for £1 and running it themselves.

And this is one reason why the community believes it is "Britain's kindest village," as previously reported. Last year alone, the the Trawden Forest Community Centre charity donated £45,000, which was filtered back into the community through £300 handouts to volunteer-run groups which needed help.