Warwick and Leamington bloom in gold and silver with latest awards

The town was once again awarded the highest accolade at the Heart of England in Bloom ceremony on Thursday morning.

And close behind in the small city category, Leamington was awarded silver-gilt at the awards morning in Rugby.

Warwick was judged in the large town category for its open spaces - as well as for community involvement behind displays - made possible thanks to committee members, residents and donators.

Town mayor, Cllr Mandy Littlejohn, said she was “absolutely delighted” to hear the news after the committee and the people of Warwick worked so hard for another success.

She said: “We are all absolutely delighted to hear this news, another gold for Warwick is fantastic.

“There are many people who have made this possible but without the kind sponsorship from Warwick Castle, The Globe Hotel and many businesses and residents, this would not have been achieved. Nor would the town have looked so amazing this summer.”

Heart of England in Bloom is the regional element of the Britain in Bloom campaign organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) which ask towns to work together to improve open spaces, with a particular focus on community participation.

Chairman Roger Bache said: “Entrants give a lot of time and effort to make where they live and work a nicer, safer place to be. This year the RHS set the theme of Greening the Grey Britain and in our region they certainly did.”

Warwick Castle donated £3,500 to this year’s effort.