A community news magazine voted the nation’s best just two months ago has closed after 50 years in print.

Heckington Village Magazine, in Lincolnshire, announced last week that it has ceased publication with immediate effect.

The title, which was run by a team of eight volunteers and printed 10 times a year, was awarded best magazine overall for an A4 publication at the 2018 National Parish Magazine Awards in November.

It featured community news from Women’s Institutes meetings and local schools.

Announcing its closure on Facebook, magazine chairman Jenny Piper wrote: “On behalf of the committee of the magazine I am writing to advise you, that following a recent meeting of the committee, sadly it was agreed that the magazine would cease publication with immediate effect. There are many reasons which have led to this decision.

“Rest assured this decision has not been taken lightly and was made even harder following on from the success of winning Best Overall Village Magazine in the UK for 2018. Heckington is a thriving village and while we have reached out to the community for new volunteers to support the team, to date we have not had any person come forward, which is disappointing.”

“As I am sure you will all appreciate this is not the desired outcome of what has proved to be a popular magazine with the overall aim of embracing the community with local news and achievements.

“The magazine has been in existence for over 50 years and during this time has developed into an award-winning publication but without the support of skilled and willing volunteers it has become impossible to continue.”

Ms Piper offered special thanks to editor Mary Sanders and graphic designer Lee Amos.

She added: “On a final note, a huge thanks to every person who has supported the magazine in any way. Especially our distributors, contributors, advertisers, printers, outlets and of course our readers and the wider community. With best wishes to you all.”