THE TEAM behind Thornbury’s floral displays this year have been given the silver gilt award at this year’s Britain In Bloom competition.

This year’s competition was particularly special as it was the 50th year in which Britain in Bloom has run and the competition was tougher than ever.

The silver gilt award is the second highest prize available in the competition - which saw 71 towns compete for the top prize in each category.

Thornbury was one of eight entries chosen from across the UK to compete for the top prize in the town category at the competition.

The Thornbury in Bloom team spent the year getting the town ready before they welcomed the judges, in July for both the regional and national In Bloom competitions.

After that it was a nervous wait until the South West in bloom awards event at the end of September where Thornbury was awarded gold in the champion of champions category.

Thornbury first entered the national competition in 2009 when they won gold. However this year they didn't quite manage to hit the same heights being given the silver gilt award at the Britain in Bloom presentation evening held in Bristol on Thursday, October 16.

Guy Rawlinson, chairman of Thornbury in Bloom, said that despite not winning gold this year it is important that the positive impact of the process that is reflected on.

“Thornbury was one of 71 towns representing the UK at a national level this year – that in itself is a fantastic achievement.

“Winning silver gilt is a massive honour to the town and the team of volunteers who helped make Thornbury look fantastic.

He added: “This year we won gold in the regional competition and silver gilt at a national level and we need to reflect on how big of an achievement that is.

“We were competing with teams from all over the country after we were recognised as the best in the South West for a town of our size.

“People come to Thornbury because they like what they see around the town. It is important that we celebrate what has been a fantastic summer for Thornbury of which Thornbury in Bloom was a part.”

Judging for the national competition was carried out at the end of July this year and a special celebration was held at the end of the judge’s tour.

Ian Beaney, who was one of the judges who visited the town, praised the commitment and effort of the Thornbury in Bloom team.

At the time he said: “If you could bottle and sell the spirit and commitment and skill you’ve shown you’d be a very rich man - you should be proud of your community.”

On Saturday, October 25 the Thornbury in Bloom team’s spring bulb planting gets underway. Anyone who wishes to help can meet the team at the Garden Shop in Thornbury High Street at 2pm.