Blackmore and Connaught gardens have been named among the best in the South West again at the Pride in Parks awards.

Both Sidmouth green spaces received the top rating of five stars for the second year running from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The awards promote community and voluntary workers and their role in improving and regenerating their local environment through imaginative planting, landscaping and conservation for all to enjoy.

Peter Endersby, from Sidmouth in Bloom, said: “Sidmouth, through its past heritage of development, has many green spaces for all to enjoy – there are park spaces for every activity for all ages, but as all towns and venues around the UK experience, volunteers and community support is needed if we are to continue to enjoy and use these places.”

Sidmouth in Bloom volunteers work closely with East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) Streetscene team to maintain and improve the facilities, which received five-star awards last year.

Councillor Tom Wright, EDDC’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “Sidmouth in Bloom, along with our StreetScene teams, continue to work together, striving for excellence within the parks and gardens. I would like to thank our wonderful StreetScene teams, together with all the Sidmouth in Bloom members, for their continued hard work and support throughout the year. We look forward to achieving even more awards.”

Sidmouth will go for regional and national glory this summer, competing in the ‘champion of champions’ categories in both South West in Bloom and Britain in Bloom contests.

Lynette Talbot, chairman of Sidmouth in Bloom, said: “Blackmore is a place where a lot of people go and read and a place for young families. Connaught Gardens is the tourism jewel in the crown. It’s about the community and environmental impact on the town.”

As part of its campaign, the group is calling on residents to join it on a series of ‘task force’ days in the run-up to judging for the competitions. The next is on May 30.

Lynette added: “Sidmouth in Bloom thanks the town councillors and EDDC; they have helped in an awfully big way to get the town looking good for judging.”