TOWNS, parishes, and community groups across South Somerset topped the leader board with a host of prestigious awards after a successful In Bloom competition.

Many towns and parishes across South Somerset took part this year, and as a result, a considerable number of commendations were received within the district.

SSDC’s own Stephen Fox received a Community Champion Award.

The category wins were as follows:
• Yeovil received a Gold award
• Curry Rivel received a Gold award
• Crewkerne received a Gold award
• Haselbury Plucknett received a Gold award in the Champion of Champions award
• Henstridge received a Silver Gilt award

South West In Bloom is part of the National Britain In Bloom initiative that is managed and overseen by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the aim of which is to encourage local communities to help improve and diversify their local environment through the creation of innovative open spaces, biodiversity and recycling initiatives and the conservation of wildlife.

Henstridge Primary School were also awarded Outstanding School effort and Curry Woods received the award for the best use of native plants.

Alongside the main In Bloom initiative the RHS also encourages local communities to participate in an It’s Your Neighbourhood (IYN) award scheme.

This scheme seeks to commend and raise awareness of groups, businesses and individuals that strive to improve their local area.

Many IYN groups took part across Yeovil, and the following groups all received the highest grading of 5 * Outstanding IYN:

• Able2achieve
• Kenmore Gardeners
• The Brookie Bridge Community Project
• Yeovil Rivers Community Trust
• Yeovil District Hospital Gardens
• Wyndham Park Community Association Severalls Park Community Group in Crewkerne also received second place overall in the category of Best IYN.

For more information about South Somerset District Council supports In Bloom and about the Lufton Plant Nursery visit Lufton plant nursery and the 'In Bloom' programme | South Somerset District Council.