RESIDENTS of Evesham can be rightly proud now their town has scooped two gold awards in the regional round of the Britain in Bloom competition.

Evesham was also judged best large town in its category, beating Stratford which also won a gold award.

The double accolade was an extra triumph for organiser Diana Raphael who is retiring from the competition after almost a decade of involvement.

The former town mayor said: "We were ecstatic when we found out the good news and we didn't believe we had won at first. It is really nice to go out on a high, but I think it is about time someone else had the chance to organise the annual entry."

The second gold award was achieved through the efforts of staff and children at the Vale of Evesham Special School.

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Headteacher Emlyn Matthews collected the prestigious award for outstanding achievement.

Pupils at the school had worked hard to grow a collection of plants and flowers in the school garden.

Mr Matthews said: "It was more than a surprise when I found out about the award; I nearly collapsed on the spot.

"The award is apparently given to the person who made the greatest impression on the judges, so it must have been the children and all their efforts that impressed them."

Mrs Raphael believes a vandalism attack on flowerbeds in Abbey Park, Evesham, less than 48 hours before judging might actually have clinched the competition for the town.

She said: "I think that possibly helped more than hindered us because everyone came to help with the clear-up. It was quite breathtaking. The overall Heart of England winner was Ledbury.

Evesham has still some celebrations to come. The winners of Evesham in Bloom competition is to be announced at a ceremony in the Town Hall at 7pm on October 1.