MARLOW’S floral displays fell agonisingly short of a top horticultural award, with the town’s mayor hoping to go one better next year.

Marlow was awarded the Silver Award in the Thames Valley and Chiltern in Bloom competition for the second consecutive year.

Marlow Mayor Suzanne Brown had mixed feelings about the result – pride in the town’s performance but disappointed the hard work of Marlovians in sprucing up the town did not bring home the gold.

She said: “Even though it’s the same result as last year, we have improved. The judges pointed out our triangle project, the heritage trail in Riley Park and our hanging baskets are always praised.

“But of course we are a little disappointed as you want to win. We will have a look at the areas we didn’t score so highly on and see how we can improve.”

As well as recognising floral displays, points are awarded for community engagement and overall management of public space.

Cllr Brown has issued an early appeal for volunteers to join the 2015 campaign - not only to work but to also boost the town’s scores.

She said: “Places that win gold tend to have a lot of volunteers mucking in, so if we can get more people to help us I think we can win gold next year.”

To volunteer your service, call Marlow Town Council on 01628 484024 or visit www.marlowtowncouncil.com