MORE gold medals have been handed out to Chesham's green fingered residents, days after the town won a major horticultural award.

Chesham picked up a gold award and won the best large town category for the third year running at the Thames and Chilterns in Bloom.

Members of the Chesham in Bloom group said victory was down to the hard work of the town's residents - and rewarded them at their own awards ceremony last week.

Dozens of prizes were handed out at the Town Hall ahead of the Chesham in Bloom AGM on Thursday, September 25.

Among the gold medal recipients were pupils from Brushwood School, who were voted winner of the schools category. Runners-up Elmtree and Thomas Harding were each awarded a silver gilt.

Gold also went the way of the Chartridge Golf Club, voted winners of the business award.

Dawes Close resident Pat England was overall winner of the baskets and containers category, while Irene Hardy - who is in her 90s - was among the other award winners.

The aptly-named Christine Gardner was an award winner for hanging baskets and also took a silver in the best front garden category, which was won by Fryer Close resident James Smith.

The residents of Wallington Road won the community award.

Chesham in Bloom chairman Vince Crompton said the group's award ceremony was a way of saying thank you to residents who helped the town secure victory at regional level.

He said: "It's by no means a fluke. A lot of work went into it and I have to say I've got an excellent team around me. It has been a team effort and that's why we have succeeded.

"We have got gold and we have no intentions of sitting on our laurels. I have already started getting together the programme for next year.

"I did it because I love Chesham and I love working for Chesham. I think we all want to do as much as we can and I'm sure that we will.

The judge's report on Chesham referred to the town's 'exceptional' community spirit and said the volunteers' efforts "has made the obviously well cared-for town even more pleasant to visit".

Mr Crompton said: "They do not use the word exceptional lightly. That's the first time we've seen them use that word."