FLORAL campaigners in Colne are in the pot to win a national award after scooping three regional prizes.

For the third year running, the Colne in Bloom committee romped to victory in the Large Town category for the North West.

The committee also won a trophy in recognition of a carpet bed, which was installed next to the town’s cenotaph to celebrate the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival’s 21st anniversary.

A further award was handed out to recognise Colne Fire Station’s Memorial Garden, which was created as a lasting tribute to retained firefighter Tomy Petty, 25, his girlfriend Jessica Foxley, 21, and friend Philip Wright, 25, who were killed in a car crash in July 2009.

Colne is now nominated for the Britain in Bloom awards.

Chairman Coun Dorothy Lord said 16 people from Colne, including two firefighters, travelled to Southport for the regional awards.

She said “We’re absolutely over the moon. It isn’t just about the lovely flowers and plants, but also about the environment, keeping the town clean and recyling.

“The award for the carpet bed was a bit unexpected, so that was nice and the Memorial Garden does have a special meaning, so it was lovely for the firemen who worked so hard on it.

“We would like to thank Craven Van Hire for providing us with free transport to the ceremony.”

Coun Lord said being put forward for the Britain in Bloom awards was the ‘icing on the cake’.

She said: “We’re going to grasp it and run with it. We will be stepping up fundraising over the next few months.”

The Britain in Bloom Awards will take place in St Andrew’s, Scotland, next year.