THIS YEAR the award-winning Thornbury in Bloom celebrates its 25th anniversary, and the group are celebrating by opening their arms to the community.

The group started back in January 1991 as a Town Council scheme for decorating shops around the town with hanging baskets, but is now an award winning part of the community, having claimed a gold medal at the Royal Horticultural Society’s South West regional competition every year since 2000.

The group has also won a number of gold medals at the national level of the competition in recent years.

As well as hosting a birthday party to celebrate its continuing success, the group are also encouraging the public to attend their annual general meeting to learn more about the group and even consider taking on a role in their organising committee.

“We want to make 2016 a celebration for everyone, it is not just a special year for us, but for the whole town,” said Sue Aitken, from the Thornbury in Bloom Committee.

“We are always keen to get new people involved and have jobs available from getting your hands dirty with planting, to the administrative and fundraising sides, we welcome people from all walks of life as we know everyone will have a different skill to contribute.”

The Thornbury in Bloom party will be at 7.30pm on Friday, April 1 at the Armstrong Hall, and will feature live music from local band “Rock of Ages”.

Tickets cost £10 and will be available from Thornbury Garden Shop and Finishing Touches.

The annual general meeting takes place on Monday, February 1 and will include details of what roles within the group are available as well as other ways to be involved.

For more information, contact Sue Aitkins on 01453 419350, email thornburyinbloom@yahoo.co.uk or search “Thornbury in Bloom” on Facebook.