In pictures: Italy's struggling village life

1 of 9 Vallinfreda, like thousands of Italian villages, looks beautiful but is struggling to remain viable

2 of 9 The church, traditionally at the heart of village life, is struggling to recruit young priests to fill vacancies

3 of 9 Local Mayor Piero Chirletti is spearheading the village's drive to attract young blood - part of a national initiative

4 of 9 Regional fare is high on the list of attractions... cakes and biscuits, cheese, salami and wine are produced locally

5 of 9 ...while local beans are said to reduce levels of fat

6 of 9 Villagers say clean air and peace are among the best reasons for city-dwellers to move out...

7 of 9 ...as well as a slower pace of life

8 of 9 Other villagers say there is good security, peace at night - and beautiful surroundings

9 of 9 But for some the village is just the perfect place to enjoy the spring sunshine