A town in East Lancashire has come home with Britain in Bloom awards, despite hungry sheep eating hundreds of pounds worth of plants shortly before the competition.
Rawtenstall represented the North West at the national competition and went up against nine other areas across the UK for best large town.
While it was not the category winner, it came home with a 'silver gilt medal'.
It also received a certificate of achievement for an innovation in community engagement and sustainable gardening award.
Rawtenstall, and other East Lancashire towns, also won awards in the regional branch of the competition, North West in Bloom.
Civic Pride Rossendale, a voluntary organisation and registered charity dedicated to making Rawtenstall and other Rossendale towns “cleaner and greener”, won a gold award in the North West category for best large town.
Sparrow Park in Rawtenstall won gold for best pocket park.
Rossendale Civic Pride also won a ‘clean sweep award’ for the consistent cleanliness of the town.
The judge on the day commented she had been amazed she had not seen any litter or cigarette butts on her visit.
Sue Shuttleworth, chair of Civic Pride Rossendale, said: “The phones have not stopped buzzing following our social media post.
"We have been thanked and received compliments from many supporters, it’s amazing.”
These awards and commendations are despite a setback shortly before judges arrived, when sheep ate hundreds of pounds worth of plants in Rawtenstall.
Other East Lancashire towns also received a mention in the North West branch of the competition.
Nelson Town Council won silver for best town centre.
Whalley in Bloom won a gold award for small town, overall best small town in the north west, and the competition’s heritage award, for the work that volunteers did to promote the heritage and history of Whalley.
A spokesperson for Whalley in Bloom said: “The team representing Whalley in Bloom had the best time at the awards.
“We got gold for small town best small town and the Heritage Cup. Thank you organisers. We really appreciate it.”
Charter Walk Shopping Centre in Burnley won a gold award for best retail park.
Darren Share, chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Our congratulations go to all the finalists for their incredible commitment and the difference their hard work makes to their communities.
"Groups were passionate and innovative, they showed how important it is for green space and environmental projects to be at the heart of community life.”
Rachel de Thame, presenting the national awards, added: “Britain in Bloom gardening groups give selflessly of their time and energy to make their communities better for everyone to enjoy.
"From engaging with young people, helping to grow food for those in need or providing plant displays to inspire a sense of pride - these groups are the heroes of our villages, towns and cities and keep our country blooming.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here