Kingsbridge In Bloom have yet another prize to add to their haul as they are named category winner for Small Towns and picked up a Gold Award.

The Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom judges, who came to the town on August 6, said that the visit “started with a wow” and was followed by “a continuous stream of highs throughout”.

Their report said that “the Bloom team, led by Graham Price, demonstrate exactly what Bloom can achieve in ten years - you have completely transformed your town.

“The inspiration and dedication not only of the Bloom team, but the close partnership and support from the town council, local businesses and sponsorship, has made this possible.”

The judges gave Gold awards to Kingsbridge In Bloom for ‘Horticultural Achievement’, ‘Environmental Responsibility’, ‘Community Participation’ and ‘Overall’.

Graham Price, chair of Kingsbridge In Bloom, said: “What we in Kingsbridge in Bloom are really about is looking after Kingsbridge. To be chosen as the best Britain in Bloom town in UK is an extraordinary achievement and testament to the hard work put in by the team for the benefit of everyone.

“We really hope that the support that we receive and growing pride in our town will continue into the future.”

Cllr Robin Griffin, a Kingsbridge In Bloom volunteer, said: “All winter we slogged away in the cold and wet then during the drought to keep alive our chances of a medal or a trophy. Okay the town looked wonderful by June, July and August for our judging phase but would we merit a trophy in October?

“By the announcement time we were really on edge, then ‘Kingsbridge’ won the Great Britain small towns. Laughter and tears, and yes pride, in our team and in our town.

“Then whooping and waving, clapping and shouting, by the 580 bloomers gathering in the Waterside Centre, Belfast.

“Thanks for our sponsors and director Graham Price who is hugely respected by the Bloom population as now is Kingsbridge.”

Congratulations to all of the Kingsbridge In Bloom team from all of us from at South Hams Newspapers.