Bristol named the 'kindest city in the UK'

A temporary installation was put up to thank the people of Bristol for their philanthropy

Bristol has been named the kindest city in the UK due to "residents showing the most support to worthy causes".

The city won the accolade at The Movement for Good Awards, which is run by the Benefact Group. This organisation gives donations based on nominations from the public.

This year, after receiving 40,000 nominations from Bristol residents, the group donated £110,000 to 54 local charities.

To celebrate Bristol's new title, the Christmas Steps sign was transformed on Wednesday into a giant floral heart to say ‘thank you’ to the city.

The installation, measuring 14ft (4.2m) high by 13ft (4m) wide, displayed more than 2,000 yellow silk tulips, roses, dahlias and primroses to symbolise gratitude, happiness and positivity.

It was made by owner of Fulford Flowers, Sheryl Popplewell, alongside a group of dedicated florists who were at first daunted by the prospect of the "humongous" structure.

Sheryl Popplewell said people were in "awe" of the floral tribute

“It all came together really well.

"I’m so delighted with the result, it just looks amazing.

"The people of Bristol have been in awe about it, which is amazing, it just makes it all worthwhile," Ms Popplewell said.

Fresh yellow flowers were also handed out to residents to say "thank you" for their care in supporting local charities.

Fresh yellow flowers were handed out to passers by to spread messages of positivity and gratitude

“We care about charities deeply," said Chris Pitt from the Benefact Group, which is made up of specialist financial services businesses that donate "all available profits to charity".

"We want them to be successful, sustainable, and we know how important they are in our communities.

"Charities are facing some real pressures, there’s more demand on their services than ever before, so they need funds," he added.

Since 2019, the group has recorded more than 1.9 million nominations from the public, awarding more than £5m to thousands of charitable causes around the UK and Ireland.

Mr Pitt said the installation was a "floral tribute to the people of Bristol"

One benefactor which will receive funding from the scheme is the Feline Fine Foundation. This charity fosters and rehomes animals when their owners are unable to care for them.

“It’s really exciting," said founder and trustee, Lucina Pullen, who attended the unveiling of the temporary installation.

"We’re really happy to be invited down to thank all our volunteers and fosterers, because without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing.

“It’s also lovely handing out flowers to people and brightening up their morning," she added.