Oswestry wins in Heart of England floral competition

Judges were impressed with the range of Oswestry's blooms

Oswestry has won gold for its stunning floral displays, seeing it entered into the Britain in Bloom finals.

The town has been crowned winner in the Heart of England's large town category for the second year running.

It will now compete against nine other finalists in the Britain in Bloom event in London on 23 October.

Natalie Bainbridge, chair of Oswestry in Bloom, said she was pleased and proud of all efforts by volunteers.

Natalie Bainbridge said she was thrilled at the accolade and efforts of volunteers

The In Bloom committee and team of volunteers plant up and maintain areas that the council do not cover, she said.

"The council do an amazing job with the hanging basket scheme and Cae Glas Park which is a real jewel in the crown for the town," she said.

She said volunteers had created a train sculpture in a flower bed on Oswald Road with a Welcome to Oswestry sign and bee-friendly bed in front of it.

Floral displays have been created around the town

Displays had also been created at the castle, in the park and the bowling green using donated plants through the help of the volunteers.

The Heart of England judges spent three hours touring the town and its displays, Ms Bainbridge said.

"The volunteers were very pleased [to win] and I'm very proud of them as well," she added.

"It became a great community event because working together outside, even if it's just weeding a flowerbed, if you're doing it together for the good of the whole town, it just makes it so much more rewarding.

"The population of Oswestry is so appreciative. Whenever you're gardening, everyone says 'how lovely' and 'thank you' and that it's improved their walk to work.."

She said they were now looking forward to the national competition in they had been entered into and hoped to win in their category.

"I feel we have already won as we had such a lovely day showing the judges round."