Green-fingered gardeners were throwing their trowels and forks in the air in triumph after the borough was awarded its first ever Gold Award in Britain in Bloom.

Bracknell has received a host of silver gilt awards for its previous entries into the competition, but has gone one better in 2010 and picked up the top prize.

The borough won the gold award in the small city category and received a commendation for the best portfolio in the Thames and Chiltern section of the competition.

Judges Mike Gass and Peter Goff were taken on a tour of the borough in July, with sponsors and representatives from Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Town Council and Bracknell in Bloom organisers Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP).

They visited Bracknell town centre as well as local allotments and biodiversity schemes.

The judges also visited other areas including schools, residential areas, Waymead Day Centre in St Anthonys Close in Priestwood, Lily Hill Park and Easthampstead Park Crematorium.

The judges said they were impressed by the level of commitment from the people of Bracknell.

They added that it was impressive how Bracknell managed to prove the strength of its entry with the varied and widespread input it receives from different parts of the community.

Helen Barnett, BRP marketing manager, said: “The collaborative work of everyone has finally come to fruition and what a fantastic result. 

“We are all absolutely thrilled to have achieved a Gold Award.  

“The town centre and the borough looked beautiful and it’s a real testament to the hard work and efforts of everyone involved. As chairman of the Bracknell in Bloom committee I am absolutely delighted.”

David Harris, landscape services manager for Bracknell Forest Council, added: “I am really pleased to have collected these prestigious awards on behalf of the committee, beating tough competition from other small cities such as Banbury and Aylesbury. 

“I am particularly proud of all the work that goes on behind the scenes year round to keep Bracknell at its blooming best.”

The borough and town council’s landscaping teams have worked hard to plant and look after the spectacular flower displays around the borough.

Peter Thompson, chairman of Thames and Chiltern in Bloom, said: “We were delighted by the high standard across the region, the commitment by all entrants is tremendous and I would like to thank all local bloom committees for their continued support of the campaign.”

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