THINGS have come up rosy for towns across the region with Poole, Wimborne, and Swanage scooping Southern England in Bloom awards.

The biggest gongs went to Poole and Wimborne, named best "city" and best "small town" respectively.

Not to be outdone, Swanage bagged its fifth major award since 1991, while Christchurch, Wareham and Highcliffe scored silver gilt awards.

Wimborne town crier Chris Brown proclaimed the town's success on the Minster Green.

It is the second year in succession and fourth in 11 years the town has scooped the small town accolade.

Thrilled Wimborne in Bloom committee chairman Anthony Oliver said: "We are absolutely delighted. It shows that all our hard work has paid off."

He praised the committee and all those who supported the "in bloom" campaign.

"One must remember it's not just about flowers, but also absence of litter and graffiti and the general cleanliness of the town," he said.

In addition, Wimborne also won the best community involvement award while Ian Willis of Serles House in Victoria Road was celebrating receiving the silver gilt judges' award.

He opened his house for the first time last year as part of the Open Gardens Afternoons in aid of Wimborne In Bloom and this year for the National Gardens Scheme.

Poole's success in the "best city" section was largely down to the emphasis on community involvement.

Cllr Jonathan Pethan, environment chief, said: "The initiative used in Poole such as the Pride in Poole award have been particularly successful in helping to reduce litter and keeping Poole a beautiful place."

Swanage defended its coastal entry title - its fifth win in 12 years - to the delight of Swanage in Bloom chairwoman Constance Gainsborough who said: "I'm chuffed, but it is all the people who have helped us to win, the volunteers and our own workers who deserve praise."

Town clerk Alan Leeson paid tribute to the council's grounds staff.

In its return to the competition after a year's hiatus, several-times winner Christchurch took the silver gilt award in the "large towns" category, losing out to Winchester.

Highcliffe also took the silver gilt prize in the "coastal entry" section, but the borough of Christchurch did scoop one gold award - the New Zealand Gardens was voted "best park/public open space".

Council leader Cllr Alan Griffiths, praising the dedication of staff, commented: "This is brilliant news.

"New Zealand Gardens deserves such a high accolade, it always has such stunning displays and even overcame the theft of nearly 1,000 plants this season."

As winner of the large city category in last year's Britain in Bloom, Bournemouth is not taking part in this year's Southern England in Bloom.