Beer Horticultural Society has struck gold in the South West in Bloom golden anniversary year after winning the prestigious Cox Cup.

The village won six awards alongside the cup after impressing judges with its floral displays in an award ceremony on Thursday, September 18, coming first against Cannington in Bloom and Milborne Port in Bloom.

Ursula Makepeace, chairman of the society said: “It has never been won by Beer before; we have had gold before but never together with the cup.

“It is wonderful publicity of the village.”

Ursula received one of the four community champion awards from the ceremony in Trowbridge for her contribution to beautifying the cities, towns and villages of South West England.

She said: “I was completely shocked; it was the last thing in the world I would have expected.”

Four projects in Beer were recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme. The project encourage community groups to develop their own , and they are awarded a certificate from level one, meaning established, to level five, outstanding.

The area outside Beer and Beer Brook achieved level four, Charlie’s Yard, level three and the Beer War Memorial was awarded level two.

Ursula said: “I would need more community participation if I entered the competition next year.

“I know Beer has 35 organisations and it is difficult to find people who have the time as they are all involved in their own projects, so it is hard to find time.”

South West in Bloom judges award marks by the quality of the floral display, community participation and the environment.

Ursula thanked John and Linda Widger who provided the flowers for this year’s competition from Scalwell Lane Nurseries, John and Diane Laing for the maintenance of the plants and Steve’s Print of Seaton were also nominated for their portfolio used during the competition.

Pecorama will hold a double celebration for the members of Beer horticultural society and the winners of Beer in Bloom on Friday, September 26.