Loughborough wins gold at Britain in Bloom finals

Loughborough has struck gold at the national RHS Britain in Bloom finals.

Earlier this year the town was selected to represent the region in the small city category at the national awards organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Derry, Harrogate, Kirkcaldy and Rugby had also been nominated for the small city category in the national competition.

The ceremony, which was hosted at RHS Lindley Hall in London, saw Derry named as overall category winner and Loughborough and Harrogate achieve gold. Kirkcaldy and Rugby both received a silver gilt.

The Britain in Bloom judges visited Loughborough during the summer for a three-hour tour of the town. Volunteers and community groups were able to showcase their gardening projects and initiatives.

Marion Smith, Loughborough in Bloom chair said: “This is an excellent result for the town, and everyone involved. It recognises the hard work of our volunteers and community groups on a national level.

“I’d also like to congratulate the other towns which represented their regions and took part in the competition.”

“A huge thank you and well done to everyone.”

This is the fourth time Loughborough has been at the Britain in Bloom finals. The town was awarded gold in 2016, a silver gilt in 2014 and achieved gold and was named the category winner in 2012.

The Council’s lead member for Loughborough, Cllr Jenny Bokor said: “We were thrilled to find out Loughborough had been selected for the national awards so to achieve gold is fantastic.

“Bloom is a joint effort and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.

“Thanks also go to our partners Serco and Idverde for their continued support of Bloom.”

The result comes after the town was also awarded gold at this year’s East Midlands in Bloom awards for the ninth year running.

Loughborough in Bloom is supported by many community groups, residents, businesses and organisations from across the town, including Charnwood Borough Council.