GREEN-FIINGERED Wareham residents have scooped ‘gold’ again in the annual Britain in Bloom awards.

Wareham Community Growers’ entry won a gold award for the second year running in the South and South East in Bloom Awards at RHS Wisley.

The town was also overall winner in the Small Town category for a second consecutive year.

Growers’ chairman Rod Curtis said: “To win Gold and be judged best in the whole region is a real honour for the town and a tribute to all our group members, volunteers and the local community.”

Paying tribute to everyone involved, he added: “Together with the town council, you have worked hard all year for this brilliant result, and I thank you all for your outstanding commitment and dedication. You have done Wareham proud.”

Chairman Rod Curtis with his Community Champion certificate

Town Mayor Carol Turner said: “South and South East in Bloom encompasses the three themes of horticultural excellence, environmental awareness and community participation.

“Another Gold and Best Small Town award shows we are getting it right, not only with our stunning floral displays but in terms of working with our wonderful local community and our environmental groups who work for Sustainable Purbeck.

“The town council and its staff are very proud to be associated with the In Bloom initiative and we now look forward to our forthcoming result in the national Britain in Bloom finals.”

In the Churchyard category, a Silver Gilt award was given to Wareham Lady St Mary Churchyard.

And in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category, ‘Thriving’ awards were given to Northmoor Wildlife Haven and the Friends of Wareham Railway Station, while the Friends of Wareham Hospital Garden achieved ‘Advancing’.

Rod Curtis was awarded a Community Champion certificate.

Wareham’s Britain in Bloom Finals result will be announced in London on October 23.

The Best Small Town certificate and bowl