Market Bosworth volunteer group honoured for flower displays

Bosworth in Bloom create stunning floral displays every summer

A volunteer group behind award-winning flower displays in a Leicestershire town have received a royal honour.

Bosworth in Bloom has been given the King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) - the highest honour available to volunteer groups.

The group is behind Market Bosworth's stunning annual flower display.

Every year, the group plants, places and maintains about 100 hanging baskets and 60 troughs and window boxes around the town.

The award, which was created by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, is described as an MBE for voluntary groups.

The KAVS website said Bosworth in Bloom, formed in 1985, has been recognised for the group's efforts in "creating and maintaining horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility and community involvement".

The award was presented by HM Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur OBE, (fourth from left)

Chris Hooker, chairman of the group, said: "We are immensely proud to have been honoured with this award, among the first by King Charles III and one of only six awards given to voluntary groups in Leicestershire.

"We see this as recognition of the time, effort and financial support given over many years by the residents of our village."

Michael Kapur OBE, HM Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire and official representative of King Charles III for the county and city of Leicester, said: "To have achieved this award is a great tribute to both Bosworth In Bloom and Market Bosworth Community Library and their valued teams of volunteers, as it is a very significant national honour."

Dr Luke Evans, the Conservative MP for Bosworth, said: "To have the highest decoration possible from the King for volunteer groups and equivalent to an MBE, is fantastic recognition for these two groups and their outstanding contribution to our community.

"On behalf of our community, thank you for your hard work over the years."