Market Harborough scoops gold in prestigious Britain in Bloom competition

Market Harborough has scooped gold in the Britain in Bloom competition.

Volunteers were handed a gold award in the Large Town category of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Best of Britain awards, with winners announced on BBC’s The One Show last night (Monday). The overall winner was Oswestry.

It follows Harborough winning the regional competition for the second year running.

Council leader Phil Knowles said: “This really is a wonderful achievement. I must offer my thanks and congratulations to all involved. Everyone who has supported this project has really put Market Harborough on the map.”

Britain in Bloom judges visited the town in August and looked at the group’s horticultural achievement, environment responsibility and community participation. They were accompanied by council chairwoman Barbara Johnson and met Harborough In Bloom volunteers.

There are currently some 35 people in the district who give their time for free to make it look its blooming best by volunteering with the team.

A spokeswoman from Harborough in Bloom said: “Well the cat is out of the bag! We won Gold in Britain in Bloom with the overall winner being Oswestry in Bloom.

“A Community Champion award was also presented to Barbara, our lead gardener and chair. Tom, from Ridgeway School received a Young Champion award.

“We are all very pleased with the results – there will be cake all round.”

At the regional awards Ridgeway Primary School won Best Ornamental Garden and a Silver Award. Stampswon Best Retail/Commercial Award, and a Judges’ Award was given to the railway station.