A TOWN centre has cause for celebration after scooping a top award in a horticultural competition.

Blackburn town centre scooped a gold award in this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) national Britain in Bloom competition.

The town was a finalist in the new “BID” category for areas represented by Business Improvement Districts.

Britain in Bloom groups from across the UK were at the RHS Britain in Bloom awards ceremony recently where the winners were announced.

Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for environment, said: “Working together with the businesses in the town centre has been key to this success and, with the support of the BID, it is testament to this partnership work that our town has been recognised nationally.

“By working together, pooling resources and attracting volunteers, our money now goes further. We are thrilled that the town has been recognised at such a high level with this Gold Award.”

The businesses who are members of the Blackburn BID fund the additional floral displays and their maintenance, which have brightened the town for the last few years.

Harriet Roberts, manager of the Blackburn BID, said: “Working in partnership with the council’s dedicated gardeners and all the volunteers has shown what can be achieved and we are incredibly proud.”