FARNHAM Town Council has said “a big thank you” to the army of volunteers who contributed to the success of this year’s Farnham in Bloom at an awards ceremony.

The annual awards last Thursday, hosted by Farnham mayor David Attfield at Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea, began with presentations to schoolchildren and were followed in the evening by the community awards.

Recalling this year’s highlights, the council’s lead member for Farnham in Bloom, Stephen Hill, said: “Farnham in Bloom is the success that it is because so many volunteers come together to work really hard and our business community steps up to support them. It’s our privilege as the town council to enable all of that to happen.

“It was a pleasure to see so many volunteers at the awards and to be able to personally thank many of them with prizes.

“Whether you received a prize or not, if you have volunteered for Farnham in Bloom this year, I would like to thank you sincerely on behalf of the town for your contribution and encourage you to join us again in next year’s activities.”

The award categories reflect the breadth of work that goes into Farnham in Bloom, including fun projects that encourage children and families to join in, alongside those that challenge accomplished gardeners.

Categories included the best hanging baskets, best allotment plot, best gardens (of varying sizes), the tallest sunflower, the best shop front, the best wildlife garden and South & South East in Bloom Certificates of Excellence.

More than 120 awards were presented with Val and Doug Nye receiving the Mayor’s Special Award for all their volunteering in the Bourne Beautification Group, Frank Rhodes won Gardener of the Year and the new Madge Green Community gardening award was presented to space2grow, a community project that aims to improve mental health and well being.

Many of the sponsors, including principal sponsor Specsavers from Farnham, came to the prize giving and some presented prizes.

Sponsorship, both financially and in-kind is a key part of maintaining the scale of Farnham’s entry to the In Bloom competitions and keeping the quality so high.

Nearly 100 local businesses, organisations and individuals support the project and Farnham Town Council is always keen to partner with local businesses.