STONEHOUSE'S fantastic floral displays resulted success at this year’s Heart of England in Bloom awards.

Stonehouse won the Small Town category, gained another gold medal and is now in the national finals for Britain in Bloom.

Hanging baskets, planters, troughs and window boxes have been overflowing with colourful bedding plants all around the town, drawing much admiration from residents, businesses and visitors.

Stonehouse’s In Bloom committee, a dedicated band of volunteers, has ensured that nearly every corner of Stonehouse looked its best throughout the summer months and, in particular, for judging day on July 12.

Cllr Debbie Curtis who is also a member of the In Bloom committee, said: “Everyone pulled out all the stops this year and the town has been looking wonderful. We are so pleased and happy that all of the hard work has paid off and we are very excited about being finalists in the national competition.”

Councillor Neil Gibbs, Mayor of Stonehouse, said: "I would like to send my congratulations to the In Bloom volunteers but also thanks to local residents and businesses who have also played their part in keeping the town looking so lovely.”

The In Bloom team is always looking for more volunteers, but especially now as, with being in the national finals, a lot more work will have to be carried out to meet the criteria.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Stonehouse in Bloom should contact Debbie Curtis 01453 825965 or Mattie Ross on 01453 826587.