Kingsbridge in Bloom has won another gold medal and the Ayre Cup for best small town, continuing its run of success in the South West in Bloom competition.

Chair Adrienne Benton and colleague Elaine Curtis attended the awards ceremony in Newquay on Friday, October 23, celebrating a year of work by volunteers across the town.

Adrienne, approaching the end of her second year as chair, said the award recognised the commitment of those involved.

“It was a great vindication for the incredible amount of hard work that people had put in because we plan well over a year ahead and plant different aspects all over the winter,” she said.

Kingsbridge in Bloom works alongside community gardening projects across the town, including the Community Garden, hospital garden, Primrose Line Bridge, Saffron Park gateway, Church Street garden and Lime Kiln.

This year's weather presented challenges, with a very wet winter followed by a hot summer.

The group has between 20 and 30 volunteers, who meet on Wednesday mornings and contribute additional time when they can. They also work with other gardeners maintaining public spaces around Kingsbridge.

Plants, bedding and hanging baskets are bought locally, with nurseries helping the team plan and order what is needed. Kingsbridge Town Council and South Hams District Council's outdoor teams also support the work.

Adrienne said new volunteers sometimes underestimated the scale of the project.

“They sort of think of one flower bed or a few flower pots, but they very soon realise that our vision is much larger than that. It's a much bigger area,” she said.

RHS judge Ian Cawley visited Kingsbridge for two and a half hours in July to assess the floral displays and community projects.

Among the highlights was a marine-themed installation at the bandstand, featuring sand, pebbles and a deckchair. Year 6 pupils from Kingsbridge Primary School contributed marine wildlife artwork, while information about Saltstone and charity Saltstone Caring was displayed alongside a heritage Devon cart decorated with handcrafted marine animals.

The judge's tour also included a ride on the Kingsbridge and District Light Railway.

Kingsbridge in Bloom has now won 18 consecutive gold medals. Next year will mark the group's 20th anniversary, with displays planned around the celebration.

More information is available at kingsbridgeinbloom.co.uk.