BUDDING artists and green-fingered gardeners were rewarded for their hard work at an awards ceremony in Malmesbury last week.

More than 150 children and dozens of local residents entered Malmesbury Town Council’s annual Malmesbury in Bloom competition this year.

Town mayor Cllr Gavin Grant presented cups, prizes and certificates at the Town Hall, commenting that it was his favourite evening of the year.

Cllr Grant said: “We have a beautiful town and many people work very hard to make sure it stays beautiful.

“All around the town are fantastic gardens, window boxes and hanging baskets which all contribute to welcoming the many visitors we have, and this takes a huge amount of effort.”

The competition comprised of two elements, a garden competition and a children's art competition.

Categories in the gardening competition included best large garden, best small/courtyard garden, best commercial premises and best vegetable patch. 

Judging the gardening competition was Piers Lavan, who runs Hortico Plant Centre in Sherston.

He said his task became more difficult each year, with such a high standard of entries.

Overall winner of the Terry Soule Cup was Michael's Butchers, Bistro and Deli owned by Michael and Sandy Thomas.
 
Mr Lavan said: “The butcher's winning garden made such a great visual impact, using just a small amount of available space.”

Mr Lavan himself was presented with an Outstanding Services to Malmesbury in Bloom award, as was Shaun Bleaken, who looks after the town’s many hanging baskets and floral displays.

The children’s art competition encompassed different age categories, from the 12s and over to the under 4s. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Malmesbury in Bloom children winners Malmesbury in Bloom children winners (Image: Malmesbury Town Council)

Judging the children’s artwork were former teachers Rose Scanlon and Suzanne Tennant.

Commenting on the children’s artwork, Cllr Grant said: “We had a record number of entries in the children’s categories and they should all be very proud of their work.

"The judges had a tremendously hard time picking the winners. 

"All the young people have done a brilliant job. 

"We would also like to thank Newsquest [the publishers of the Wilts and Glos Standard] for sponsoring the prizes in this competition."