Two green spaces in Sidmouth have won a top rating in a new Royal Horticultural Society award – thanks to the efforts of volunteers. Connaught Gardens and Blackmore Gardens and sports fields were both awarded five stars in the parks category.

Sidmouth Herald: The frog display in Blackmore GardensThe frog display in Blackmore Gardens (Image: Archant)

These awards are given to parks that have a strong input by volunteers – in this case, Sidmouth in Bloom (SiB) members and sponsors such as the Keith Owen Fund and Oakdown Caravan Park.

The Donkey Sanctuary contributes the ‘donkey’ in the sports field.

SiB chairman Lynette Talbot said: “We also would like to thank the many other donors of Sidmouth who help SiB in funding and strongly urge everyone to help contribute this year to achieve a gold award in the Champion of Champions South West [in Bloom] competition – over six counties.”

Anyone interested in doing light weeding as a Friend of Connaught Gardens for SiB’s sunken borders and schools section, or to help out in the town, can contact Lynette on 01395 578081 or email info@sidmouthinbloom.org.

Gardening is done on Thursday mornings from March onwards.