For the second year running, Amersham has been awarded a gold ranking at this years Britain in Bloom National Finals.

Held at Lindley Hall, Westminster, on Friday evening - the town became the first years in the Thames and Chiltern Region to win two gold awards.

The town also received a National Certificate of Destination for Parks for the Memorial Gardens display and a gold award for the best park in the region.

The Amersham in Bloom team were recognised for their commitment and effort with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Town Clerk Steve Catanach said: “To win a gold award in both the regional and national competition is testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment of the Town Council, Amersham in Bloom volunteers and 1st Chesham Bois Scout Leaders, who work in successful collaboration with local schools, businesses, community groups - most notably Rotary Club of Amersham, Scout and Cub Groups, Chiltern District Council, Serco and Bucks County Council.

“The town has never looked so vibrant.”

Pete Thompson, an RHS judge who assessed Amersham in July, said: “The Memorial Gardens, surely your finest display ever.

“The new ‘Peace Garden’ is a wonderful colourful idea. The effect of the sunken garden with the stream, magnificent wooden bridge, animal sculptures and marvellous colourful walled garden around the edge.

“Sycamore Corner, such a colourful entrance into the town. What a difference to the previously dull verge.”

Darren Share, Chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s UK finalists. It’s incredibly humbling to hear about the huge efforts they’ve invested in making our villages, towns and cities greener places to live, work and visit.

“This makes a tremendous difference locally but has a wider impact too. Gardeners are increasingly having to respond to the changing climate, declining pollinator numbers and plastic waste and more communities are galvanizing people around these issues to bring about positive change.”