There may no longer be an official Ross-in-Bloom organisation, but this does not mean that Ross is no longer a 'blooming great town' as was proved last week. Accompanied by the Mayor Chris Bartrum and Mary Sinclair Powell (RiB Consultant), volunteers from three 'It's Your Neighbourhood' groups travelled to the Tower Ballroom, Birmingham to discover how they had done in the Heart of England in Bloom judging this summer.

All three – Blake's Garden Project, Ross Court and Tudorville Allotments – each received as individuals the highest accolade of Outstanding – the equivalent of Gold.

"We had a wonderful day out as a team rooting for each other," said Mary. "The atmosphere was electric as the results were announced and there was great excitement when we all realised everyone had been able to achieve the highest accolade. Blake's had retained their Outstanding but both Ross Court and Tudorville Allotments came up one step from 'Thriving' that they had received last year. I am delighted for everyone, and I was very pleased that the Mayor had been able to accompany us this year. The Blake's Garden was a particular favourite project of Margaret Lucas who had been with it from the start, and the result is wonderful as a memorial to show the influence of all her hard work and support still continues.

The previous week The Chase Hotel received Gold in the Hotel category which makes a clean sweep across the town this year.

Volunteer Jenny Clarke of the Blake's Garden Project also received an individual Heart of England in Bloom Award of Distinction in recognition of her voluntary work in the gardens this year.

Next year your project or group garden could be part of this prestigious event.

If you would like more information you can contact Mary at the Corn Exchange, High Street or email her on [email protected]">[email protected].

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.