FARNHAM Town Council is celebrating the achievement of two gold awards and being crowned as a regional category winner in this year’s South and South East in Bloom competition.

The award winners were unveiled at a ceremony in Brighton.

Farnham received gold and best in category for its Large Town entry and gold for the Town Centre category.

The Victoria Garden received outstanding in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Award and Nick Gibbs, who works for Glendale and looks after Gostrey Meadow, won a horticultural achievement award.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Farnham has won gold for its town centre, the fourth time it has achieved gold for the Large Town category, and the third year running that it has won the Large Town regional category.

Stephen Hill, lead member for Farnham in Bloom, said: “This is tremendous news and is all the more special because this year is the 25th anniversary of Farnham in Bloom. I am delighted that the hard work of so many people has once again been recognised.

"I would like to thank our all our sponsors and supporters, in particular our corporate sponsor, BBS Ltd, supplier of Magimix products."

Mr Hill added: “Farnham in Bloom is about the community and is a fantastic example of how businesses, volunteers, residents and groups work together to improve the environment and make Farnham a better place to live.”

Farnham Town Council is grateful to all its sponsors, including The Patio Black Spot Removal Company, Squire’s Garden Centre, Forest Lodge Garden Centre, The Farnham Institute and Graduate Landscapes. Everybody who has been involved in this year’s Farnham in Bloom will receive thanks for their contribution at a special celebration on October 8.

Awards will also be presented to schools and individuals who have won prizes for their entries into various Farnham in Bloom competitions, such as the Secret Garden and schools’ best hanging basket.

Anybody who would like to get involved in next year’s Farnham in Bloom competition should e-mail Lara Prior at [email protected].