Britain in Bloom: Brandon takes gold and wins Town category

Judges praised Brandon for its "efforts to reduce pollution and green up the High Street"

A Suffolk town has been victorious in the Britain in Bloom 2023 UK finals.

Brandon took home a gold award and was also named winner of the Town category, being praised by judges for its "efforts to reduce pollution".

Brandon's town flowers are managed by Brandon in Bloom, a community interest company run by local volunteers.

Newcastle-under-Lyme was the overall winner of the Britain in Bloom 2023 UK finals.

Gary Brocklehurst and Claire Watts said community spirits had been lifted since they were crowned winners

Gary Brocklehurst, chairman of Brandon in Bloom, said the achievement was "absolutely fantastic".

"The traders are going to benefit from it, the local economy - it's just going to do so much," he said.

Judges commended the town's commitment to sustainability, with its 19 self-watering promenade planters, free-draining soil, and perennials to "capture pollution".

The King's Coronation Garden was inspired by the Sundial Garden at Highgrove, the Gloucestershire residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla

A statement on the RHS website said: "It's an eye-catching display with an environmental purpose."

Volunteer Claire Watts said the organisation was "incredibly proud" of what they had achieved.

"We were up against five other towns who also won gold as well, so when it came to the final award, we really did not know which way it was going to go," she said.

"To win best overall town amongst five other outstanding competitors was amazing."