After ten years of unstinting service to the annual Ross-in-Bloom competition, Chairperson Margaret Lucas has received a Certificate of Merit from the Heart of England in Bloom. And this wasn't the only good news in Birmingham last week when the committee went to collect the Heart of England in Bloom Awards – there were whoops all round when Ross was given a 'Golden Town' award.

Once again Ross Community excelled themselves by working hard with Ross-in-Bloom to gain a Gold Award in the town category. This means they gained at least 86% in marks for community involvement, recycling and sustainability and floral display.

Committee members, Margaret, Lyn Tomlinson and Mary Sinclair Powell have all decided to retire from Ross-in-Bloom this year and therefore Margaret's award was timely, Mary told the Ross Gazette: "Margaret was extremely shocked to receive her personal award. It took me quite a while to actually convince her it was true and to go up and collect it. She loves her town has worked very hard for all her working life making sure it looks good for visitors and locals alike. To get this as an accolade is truly wonderful."