FARNHAM returned home victorious, taking gold at this year’s Britain In Bloom and securing the title of Best Town in the UK.

Farnham Town Council received the award on Friday, October 25 at an awards ceremony in London.

In their report, the judges described Farnham as “an innovative floral town” with an “eclectic mix of many plants”.

Farnham Town Council was praised for using natural gas vehicles and the judges noted how “pride for the heritage of the town was evident at every point of the [their] tour”, adding the “town’s built environment was excellent and the standard of properties, both commercial and residential, was very high”.

Community involvement was also recognised by judges, noting the tour was “conducted through a spotless townscape” and that the town’s litter pickers show “what a difference volunteer effort can make”.

Farnham was entered into the Business improvement districts, town centres and city centres category, competing against locations such as Bath and Canary Wharf.

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans was at the awards ceremony and said: “Words cannot describe how proud I am that Farnham has won not only gold but has also been awarded best in category. This is such a massive achievement for Farnham.

“It was only a short time ago that we were celebrating an enviable collection of awards from South and South East in Bloom. For Farnham in Bloom to be recognised at national level is the icing on the cake.”

“What the judges saw on their visit is the result of thousands of hours of planning, community spirit and hard work with wholehearted commitment from every corner of the town and surrounding villages.

“From schoolchildren who planted bulbs, to our litter pickers, people who watered and weeded throughout the summer and to all our sponsors: a massive well done and thank you.”