Coleraine named 'Best large Town' in Britain in Bloom Awards

Coleraine picks up the gold medal in their category while Ahoghill is named Champion of Champions

Seeing off competition from the likes of Colwyn Bay, Congleton and Perth, Coleraine was named as the 'Best Large Town' category winner.  In an awards ceremony hosted by TV Gardening Expert Chris Beardshaw, the Bannside town picked up the prize in the competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society.

And the winner of the large town category is Coleraine in Ulster #OurBloom pic.twitter.com/f7FFWch6Dq

— RHS Britain in Bloom (@RHSBloom) October 14, 2016

The RHS Britain in Bloom Awards ceremony celebrates the contribution made by the 300,000 Bloom volunteers whose hard work and dedication help transform what are often grey and unloved areas into greener, cleaner and more beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Meanwhile Antrim's Ahoghill picked up the Champion of Champion's award.  Ahoghill was one of only six areas from across the UK chosen to compete in the category and its success confirms its position as arguably the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful small town in the United Kingdom.

Over the summer, teams of RHS judges travelled the length and breadth of the country to see the 72 finalists’ Bloom campaigns to determine who would lift the top prizes. Each finalist was assessed against three key criteria: community participation, environmental responsibility and horticultural achievement.

Chairman of the UK Judging Panel, Roger Burnett said: “This has been a truly outstanding year for Britain in Bloom with local communities devoting tremendous amounts of time and effort into greening grey areas and sharing the many health and social benefits of horticulture.

And the winner of the ultimate community gardening prize is Ahoghill in Ulster. Congratulations to our champion of champions! pic.twitter.com/q2UfxBuhZS

— RHS Britain in Bloom (@RHSBloom) October 14, 2016

“The judges were very impressed by the way communities refused to let the many challenges they faced hold them back." said Roger  "the finalists’ desire and determination to make their environment as green and pleasant as possible was truly humbling."

"We as judges are privileged to have a front row seat to see Britain in Bloom volunteers change the lives of thousands through their work. And it’s fitting that their efforts are recognised and celebrated.”

The 72 Britain in Bloom finalists were vying for Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze medals, category winner awards and discretionary awards for achieving excellence in particular fields.

All set for tonight's RHS Britain in Bloom Finalists Awards Ceremony in Edgbaston #OurBloom pic.twitter.com/KHlv5pk9bw

— RHS Britain in Bloom (@RHSBloom) October 14, 2016