Thornbury In Bloom are celebrating after achieving excellent results this year.

Seven representatives from the group attended a regional ceremony in Weston-super-Mare on October 7 and came home with arms full of trophies

The Royal Horticultural Society’s annual awards for the South West took place at the Winter Pavilion, where communities, towns and cities of varying sizes were applauded for all their hard work in the Britain In Bloom competition.

The annual contest did not take place last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

All entrants are judged on horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility and community participation.

Thornbury entered the Sargent Cup class for towns of their size and won a gold medal along with the overall trophy for that category.

The dedication from volunteers and sponsors was recognized with the presentation of a special cup for outstanding community effort.

And a hat-trick of awards was completed when Thornbury was awarded the Sponsors Trophy, given to the best entry out of all the different classes.

The result marks a successful first year for Thornbury In Bloom’s new chairperson Briony Elsbury.

“On behalf of everyone on the committee I would like to say a huge thank you to absolutely everyone who has done anything to support us this year,” she said.

“From donating coins, plants, or raffle prizes, making large donations, weeding, sweeping, giving your time...your help is what made our entry so successful.”

Results for the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards are still pending.

If you’d like to get involved with Thornbury in Bloom, or join the committee, contact them at thornburyinbloom@yahoo.co.uk or via their Facebook page.