CHIPPING Sodbury has won struck gold again in the South West in Bloom competition.

The town blossomed in the regional judging, returning to the main contest after a two-year break to focus on smaller projects.

As well as winning an overall gold, Sodbury in Bloom was judged outstanding in four neighbourhood categories. The town centre, including new market area Hatherell’s Yard, a community orchard in Couzens Close, The Ridings sports ground, Jubilee pathway and Millennium Garden and Waitrose supermarket all received top marks.

Sodbury in Bloom secretary Julia Bernau said: “We entered the town centre because it is a town centre but we still manage to make it look colourful.

“Waitrose has put a lot of flowers in their car park and done a lot for wildlife in the town including giving money for bee hives and Hatherell’s Yard traders have worked with us and the developers to make it look really good. Retailers have joined in with floral displays and watering for us.

“The Ridings always look great and this is the third time of receiving outstanding for the community orchard.”

She added: “The community knitted itself together and it is all for the good of the community.

“We could not do it without the support of the town and every year we get that support.”

This year the committee of volunteers asked High Street shopkeepers to plant flowers in old pairs of boots and place them outside their shops, a scheme well supported by traders. Publicans who decorated their properties were also rewarded with awards of merits.

Sodbury in Bloom is holding a celebration ahead of its next meeting when the gold medal will be revealed. A flag will then be flown on the town flagpole and it is hoped a display of the group’s achievements will be held in 61 Broad Street.