A landmark project which tested the DNA of a Gloucestershire village has revealed that residents were more connected and ethnically diverse than they ever expected.

Results revealed that residents of the Cotswold village of Bledington had genetic heritage spanning 18 separate global locations. And despite its location in the heart of England, the average resident's DNA was revealed to be just 42% 'Great British'.

What's more, over half of the residents discovered previously unknown genetic connections with other villagers.

Conducted by AncestryDNA, this was the first and largest project of its kind to test the DNA of a community of people in one concentrated area.

The village was selected for its size, scenic Cotswolds location and community spirit. Almost 120 Bledington residents provided DNA saliva samples - from the pub landlord and the local artist, to the farmer and the local historian. Villagers who took part in the study ranged in age from 19-93.

Although official population data identifies the ethnicity of the village as 94.5% White British, analysis of the DNA results revealed that the average resident was just 42% Great British (Anglo Saxon).

Analysis of the DNA data provides an estimate of the locations of ancestors from 26 separate worldwide regions including Great Britain and Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and South and North Africa.

Before they took the test, over half of the villagers (56%) tested didn't expect to find results outside of the UK, yet the results showed that not one participant's DNA was 100% British.

In this instance, over half of the villagers tested (61 people) discovered previously unknown genetic connections in Bledington after taking an AncestryDNA test. These connections were particularly surprising when considering the fact that half the residents who took part in the study moved to Bledington from elsewhere, having no prior link to the local people or area.

Two people who uncovered a genetic link were residents Sylvia Reeves and Steve Tyack who were surprised to learn they were distant cousins. Talking about the discovery, village historian Sylvia, 93, said: "I've been here in Bledington for 56 years and I've known Steve's family ever since I have been here.

"I even watched his parents courting, so, to find out we are related is amazing. I would have never have dreamt it especially because Stephen is rooted round here whereas I came to Bledington by chance after being born in London."

Watch a 90-second video about the DNA project in Bledington:

To find out more, visit: www.ancestryDNA.co.uk 

Picture captions: Flying the flag: Bledington villagers were surprised to learn the results of the DNA project.Bledington residents James and Charlotte Burgess studying the DNA results with their two daughters.