SOUTH West in Bloom awards have been won this year by several towns in Somerset, including Wellington and Minehead.

Judges toured both towns in July to look at parks, gardens, green spaces, and Royal Horticultural Society ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ groups (IYNs) which had entered the famous gardening competition.

Trophies were presented to the winners at an awards ceremony held in Truro Cathedral, Cornwall, on Tuesday (October 3).

Wellington in Bloom received the silver gilt Portman Cup, while Minehead won the silver gilt Sargent Cup.

Wellington also achieved two Level 5 ‘Outstanding Awards’ and three Level 4 ‘Thriving Awards’ for its IYN groups.

Bloom initiatives in Somerset are jointly managed by the town councils and the county’s unitary authority, while local community groups and individuals support the design and maintenance of the floral displays and green spaces.

Somerset Council executive Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: “What excellent results. Yet again, Somerset shines at these prestigious awards and we are proud of everyone involved.

“Council staff are devoted to maintaining our green spaces and I am pleased that they have received the recognition that they deserve.

“We are incredibly grateful to the many town councils, community groups, and volunteers for their contributions, which have been vital in this joint success.”

The county’s horticultural team is continuously seeking to expand the scheme, which is part of the Britain in Bloom campaign, across other towns and work more closely with individual local councils to improve their sustainability, conservation efforts, and partnership working with residents and groups.

IYN groups in Wellington which were recognised were the Basins Volunteer Group, Fox’s Field, Long Acre, Linden Meadow, and Post Close Orchard.

In Minehead, IYN groups taking part were Community Payback, Minehead Wombles, Blenheim Gardens Volunteer Group, and Lower Marsh Common.