The volunteers and maintenance teams that help look after Kingsgate Park are hoping that they have done enough to achieve a top award in the South West in Bloom awards again this year.

Steph Purser, Judge, from RHS South West in Bloom visited the park at the beginning of the month and took a tour.

She commended the park volunteers for the work they had done in the past year.

Tim Fairhead from Southwold Branch of Avon Wildlife Trust was also there to show the judge the nature reserve.

Kingsgate Park provides space for families to have picnics, for teenagers to meet and chat, play football and a place to relax.

The park also is well used by local schools for nature education.

Local groups of young people have helped with building the Bug Hotel, planting in the garden and litter picking.

Friends of Kingsgate Park pack the duck and swan food for sale in the Vintage Birdcage Cakery and all profits are put straight back in to improving the facilities.

A spokesperson for the volunteer group said: “The Friends of Kingsgate Park have exciting projects ahead of them and would welcome volunteers to help keep our park such a well used public recreation area.

“If you would like to join, please look at our Facebook page or email friendskingsgatepark@gmail.com.”