So proud of our golden blooms

LOOK how we've grown . . . Oldham Mayor and Mayoress Derek Heffernan with judges (centre) Brian Whalley and Malcolm Ewbank

JUDGES say Oldham has confirmed its position as one of the greenest and most beautiful areas in the country after the borough scooped gold in Britain in Bloom.

Oldham received the highest available gong in the City category at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals Awards Ceremony in Birmingham on Friday night. The event was hosted by TV gardening expert Chris Beardshaw.

Oldham represented the North-West and was one of only four areas from across the country chosen to compete in the City category of the awards, which is based on the town's population.

Oldham was pipped to the category winner title by Aberdeen, which also got Gold in the city category.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Oldham Council's Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: "To win a gold award against such stiff competition is a real honour and shows our entry has been warmly welcomed by not only our whole community but also the RHS judges.

"We really enjoy entering the competition because Bloom and Grow reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment from residents, schools and businesses ­- helping to enhance Oldham's growing regional and national reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.

"It's fair to say we are a little disappointed that we didn't repeat our national successes of 2012 and 2014 but Bloom and Grow is about more than just titles it's about the legacy it leaves.

"This year ­- as in previous years ­- we've delivered some inspiring displays and community projects, made environmental changes and, perhaps best of all, brought a smile to the faces of residents and visitors."

Oldham has had a run of remarkable success in the competition. It's won Best City in North West in Bloom for six years running and Best City in 2012 and 2014 in Britain in Bloom.

This year's centrepiece in the town centre had a health and well-being theme.

The awards ceremony celebrates the huge 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.

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 of course, 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.

"The judges were very impressed by the way communities refused to let the many challenges they faced hold them back. 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."