A volunteer-led community group has triumphed at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards.

Whalley in Bloom, who garden and maintain the green spaces in Whalley, were awarded Gold in the Small Town category at the annual horticultural awards ceremony.

Anne-Marie Watson from Whalley in Bloom said: "After winning Pride of the Ribble Valley at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, myself and a team of ladies from Whalley in Bloom headed off to the National RHS Britain In Bloom awards flying the flag for Whalley.

"We were on tenterhooks as the winners were announced and were delighted to win Gold in our category."

Taking place in Belfast on Friday October 19, the awards are a celebration of the work these type of groups do to transform their communities using gardening.

Finalists are judged on their horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.

A total of 76 groups from across the UK competed in 12 categories with each group vying for a gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze medal in what judges declared as the toughest year on record.

A spokesperson for Britain in Bloom said: "This year’s finalists faced the most challenging conditions the competition has ever seen with much of the country under snow and ice at the start of spring followed by the joint-hottest summer on record.

"That so many groups have walked away with top medals is remarkable and a reflection of communities’ hard work, ingenuity and horticultural know-how.

"Historic Whalley near Blackburn was congratulated on overcoming severe flooding at the end of 2015 to restore the area to its former glory, creating a 'vibrant floral wow' throughout the high street."

Other groups from the North West triumphed in the national competition with a total of five gold medals being awarded across the region.

And the village of Chipping walked away with a Silver gilt in the Village category.

Mrs Watson added: "The ceremony was fantastic, we were proud to be representing Whalley in Bloom and we are utterly delighted to be bringing a Gold back home.

"This award is for all our Bloomers who work tirelessly to keep Whalley looking amazing, as well as all the businesses, local community groups and villagers who support us."

For a full list of winners, visit www.rhs.org.uk