Sidmouth in Bloom will have the opportunity to compete against the best in the country after winning gold in the Champion of Champions category at South West in Bloom.

Volunteers found out they had struck gold again at a special ceremony yesterday (Thursday) , alongside an offer to take part in next year’s Britain in Bloom competition.

Impressed judges also awarded Sidmouth the Plantscape Coastal Trophy for the best coastal entry, the Amberol Trophy to the Belmont Hotel for the best business floral display and the Monk Trophy to the Sidcombers for best use of native plants indigenous to the area.

Speaking to the Herald before the results, Jon Wheatley, chairman of South West in Bloom, said: “Sidmouth continues to maintain the highest standard of bloom excellence and we look forward to their national entry in the coastal competition next year.”

The awards were presented by South West in Bloom patrons Lord and Lady Fellows of West Stafford at Somerset Cricket Club.

The trophies recognised the achievement of 520 volunteers from across the South West.

Bloom judge Terry Porter said he was impressed by Sidmouth’s ‘marvellous’ volunteers when he visited in July.

At the time, he said: “This is where the volunteers come into their own. It’s nice to see so many things done by the community.

“You cannot do it without the help of your volunteers.”