Brandon, near Thetford, scoops Gold Award at Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom campaign

Residents of a Suffolk town are celebrating after their area received a top award at a national floral competition.

Brandon in Bloom CIC were crowned winners in the town category of Britain in Bloom, run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), at the awards ceremony last night and received the Gold Award.

On the RHS website it said the award was well-deserved and that judges praised the group’s efforts to reduce pollution and green up the high street.

It added: “There are 19 self-watering promenade planters in place and perennials have been planted at the base of trees to try to capture pollution.

“It’s an eye-catching display with an environmental purpose.”

Brandon, near Thetford, was put forward for the national competition by Anglia in Bloom judges based on the results in 2022 (Anglia in Bloom Gold and Best Town).

Rachel Sobiechowski, head of horticulture at Brandon in Bloom, said: “It felt like a huge challenge to take on, especially as this is only our 4th entry into the bloom competition.

“Our team of volunteers really rose to the challenge and have been out year round in all weathers to care for our town.”

Chris Durham, chairman of Anglia in Bloom, said: “Well done all, absolutely huge achievement. Fantastic results and very well deserved.”

Cllr Victor Lukaniuk Brandon in Bloom volunteer and deputy leader of West Suffolk Council added: "It demonstrates that we care on the appearance of our town, and will continue to do so."

Director Claire Watts said: “Fantastic day. I was really surprised and delighted we won. It’s going to make a big difference to our town."