HALESOWEN has won a coveted gold award in the regional Britain in Bloom awards for the third year running.

Heart of England in Bloom judges have praised the town’s team of volunteers for “raising the bar” once again and were impressed by the community coming together to help the environment.

As well as adding another gold award to their impressive collection, the Halesowen in Bloom team were also named ‘Urban Community’ category winners – meaning the town has also secured a place in the national competition.

The hard work and leadership of group chairman Eve O’Connor – who has lead the town to achieving three golds and a silver gilt in just four years of entering the competition – was also praised by the judges.

Worcester News:

Halesowen in Bloom’s Cllr Hilary Bills, Eve O’Connor, chairman, and Dave Wesson toast to the team’s gold award success in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Following the results being announced, Eve said: “I am over the moon at winning gold three years in a row. Winning the category takes us through to the national competition which is incredibly exciting for all those involved and the planning for next year has already begun.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the blooming achievement as without the fantastic community of Halesowen this would not have been possible.”

Judges Trish Willetts and Graham Redfern were particularly impressed with Leasowes Walled Garden and the volunteer work they do with young and disadvantaged people, the two new WI teams working on “adopt a plot” areas, as well as the high quality of hanging baskets and the standard and maintenance of the plants.

The judges were also pleased to see the introduction of the ‘Best Pub’ initiative this year, where a dozen local watering holes compete for the top prize which was one by The Why Not Inn.

In their comments, the judges said: “Eve and the team have taken Halesowen in Bloom to another level again this year.

“Last year was a fantastic year for Halesowen in Bloom – but this year they have raised the bar again.

“This is a wonderful achievement and shows just what coming together as a community can do. Well done to Eve and the whole team.”

The Heart of England in Bloom region covers a wide area from Gloucestershire to North Staffordshire and includes Birmingham and the Black Country, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.