STROUD has scored a Britain in Bloom golden hat trick.

The town, headed by Stroud in Bloom (SIB) volunteers and supported by the town council’s Green Spaces team and Stroud District Council, received the top honour in the Heart of England regional awards for the third year running.

Judges praised the welcome they received.

The judges called Stratford Park, which is maintained by the Landscape Group under contract for the district council, the “jewel in the town’s crown.”

The Adopt A Plot initiative which encourages people to look after unloved pockets of land won plaudits with a special mention of the Ann Creed plot in Nelson Street.

SIB chairman Malcolm Tarling said it was very much a team effort.

“It was the group effort that achieved this wonderful win, from the people who pick up the litter to those who put out that extra basket. It all counts and makes our town far more attractive to visitors and residents.”

The Lord John pub received a silver gilt certificate and the Crown & Sceptre was awarded a gold for its floral displays.

“The judges praised our wildflower areas, the new mural in the Shambles and the involvement of Stroud Valley Projects,” Mr Tarling said. He hopes more traders will join the campaign next year.