NEXT YEAR Christchurch will be going for gold in the national Britain in Bloom competition having won silver Gilt this year - one better than the year before.

The borough council was a perennial Britain in Bloom winner, but two years-ago pulled out of the competition in a cost-cutting exercise, prompting disbelief from local businesses and the town's award-winning inbloom committee.

But this year flowery Christchurch helped re-cement its reputation when it scooped joint second place in the large town section of the South and South East England in Bloom Awards in its second year back in the competition.

Not to be outdone, Highcliffe's entry won silver in the coastal resort category of the competition and it also won a Best Environmental Initiative Award for the success of the Nea Meadows project.

Chairman of the community services committee and member for Highcliffe Ward cllr John Lofts said: "This competition is about more than flowers.

"Environmental standards are assessed on a whole range of issues from the establishment of nature conservation areas, promotion of the use of environmentally-friendly products to recycling and street cleanliness."

Christchurch was also nominated for an Environmental Management Award, which recognised the management of Stanpit Marsh, recycling and sustainability initiatives and the appearance of the town.

The borough council's tourism manager Ann Simon said: "Many visitors come into the town because of the flowers and because Christchurch is such an attractive place.

"The council cares and residents take pride in its appearance and these accolades can only help encourage more people to come and visit the town."

First published: September 29