KINGSBRIDGE in Bloom volunteers have excelled themselves! They have gained another gold award and – for the first time – a cup in the South West in Bloom competition.

The team were awarded gold last year but this this time they won the coveted South West Tourism Association Cup for 'best in the small town' category.

Project manager Graham Price said: 'Winning a gold medal for the town and best in class for a small town gives a real sense of pride and is a very worthy achievement for our team who dedicate so much time and effort into restoring a sense of pride in Kingsbridge.

'Winning this gold medal and the cup means we will be invited to enter the national finals next year.

'I was absolutely elated and proud, it was a very emotional experience.'

The town was judged on July 15 when the local team had two hours to show the judges the various projects around Kingsbridge.

On the same day the 'It's your neighourhood awards' were judged. These awards showcased particular areas where local communities had improved their own neighourhoods.

For the second year in a row the Community Garden at the top of Fore Street gained an outstanding award, which is the top accolade.

Kingsbridge Primary School, Church Street Garden and Brittons Field all received level three developing certificates, which are a good standard.

The competition is part of Britain in Bloom, which is run by the Royal Horticultural Society. Various levels of awards are given – but only one cup is awarded in each category.

Each village, town or city is entered into a category relating to the size of the population and the South West region covers a vast area from Gloucestershire in the North, to Cornwall in the West and Dorset in the East.

The region is the largest RHS competition area in the country and the awards were held in the prestigious conference centre at the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay last Thursday with all prizes being presented by BBC Gardeners' World presenter Toby Buckland.

Over 600 delegates attended the ceremony with 10 people from the KIB team attending, including Kingsbridge mayor, John Binns.

Cllr Binns said: 'I think the gold award and 'First in Class' are a wonderful achievement for the team and a great accolade for Kingsbridge.

'The individual awards stood up to stiff competition and the achievement of an 'outstanding' for the community garden was both well deserved and a testimony to the hard work put in over the years.

'It was fantastic to see the presentation hall with representatives from almost every town and city in the South West clapping and cheering the Kingsbridge awards.

'When I returned from the awards in Newquay it was a joy to drive into the town past the displays on the square and on down Embankment Road.

'I think you tend to take them for granted over time and you need to occasionally leave and return to appreciate them anew.'

Town councillor, Anne Balkwill said: 'It's a brilliant achievement. So many people, both locals and visitors, comment that the town looks much more cared for and attractive.

'It is a real community project with success attributable to volunteers – and they work so hard throughout the year.'

Chairman of South Hams Council Cllr Rufus Gilbert said: 'I am delighted but not entirely surprised that Kingsbridge won gold and the cup. The town looks incredible, with many new projects added this year, all of which are to a very high standard.

'All of this is only possible by community involvement and huge effort. Graham Price and his team can rightly be proud of all they have achieved alongside their many partners and sponsors. Kingsbridge has come a long way since 2007 and I'm extremely grateful to all those who have helped make it possible.'

The cup, certificates and gold banner, which were received at the awards, will be on display at 82 Fore Street.