VOLUNTEERS in the Stroud district are celebrating after winning gold in the Heart of England in Bloom awards.

All their hard work paid off as Stroud, Stonehouse and Severn View Primary Academy all received gold awards for their horticultural efforts.

Exciting vegetable gardens, wonderful wildlife and beautiful flower arrangements wowed the judges.

Heart of England in Bloom awarded Stroud in Bloom a gold award with special mention for Stratford Park and for community involvement.

Judges Mark Wiltshire and Jennifer Wharton said in their report: “Community pride was evident throughout the tour and one could not fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers.”

Doreen Frusher, chairman of SIB, was thrilled by the win, and said: “All of us at Stroud in Bloom are delighted with the gold award given to us.

“It is the culmination of several months hard work involving our band of hard working, willing volunteers, the town council green spaces team, support from Stroud District Council, Stratford Park, the Museum in the Park and many more.

“The judges visited Rosary Primary School, Southfields Care Home, Capel Mill as well as touring Stratford Park, the Walled Garden at the Museum in the Park and walking around Stroud town itself.

“Stroud clearly made an impression!”

Stroud mayor Kevin Cranston said: “The SIB committee should be rightly proud of this award.

“They worked tirelessly to engage the community and do the town proud.”

The judges visited Severn View Primary Academy, which independently entered the schools category of RHS Britain in Bloom.

Pupils and staff are delighted with their gold award.

Head teacher Claire Wirth said: “The school’s extensive grounds are valued as Living Classrooms utilising the outdoor spaces as real places for children’s development.

“We receive really positive feedback from parents with children going home and talking about what they have learnt and enjoyed outside today.

“We witness such great fun being had by the children as they learn not only about the environment but about themselves as they take part in activities.

“Learning is enhanced and school becomes a place of multiple opportunities.”

Stonehouse in Bloom also received a gold award.

“It’s been a long wait but it was worth it,” said Gary Powell, chairman of Stonehouse in Bloom.

“Everyone has worked so hard and we are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a gold this year.

“The town has looked magnificent this summer and we are really proud that this was recognised by the judges.

“We have received tremendous support from businesses, individuals and organisations.

“A big thank you must go to Stonehouse Town Council ground staff, Ray Kay and Barry Cruse.

“They really went the extra mile for us and we are very grateful.”

“It has been a real community effort. As well as local residents donating plants, watering and regularly attending our table top sales and Bloomers Café fundraising days, we have also been supported by a number of community groups, including Stonehouse Lunch Club, 4th Stonehouse Brownies and 1st Stonehouse Cubs, as well as Maidenhill, Park Junior and The Shrubberies.”

- Stroud in Bloom's AGM is on Tuesday at 7.30pm at the fire station in Paganhill Lane, Stroud. There will be a discussion on the walled garden with Anne Taylor of the Museum in the Park. Parking is available at Cainscross car park.

- To get involved with next year’s Stonehouse in Bloom call 01453 822070 or email customerservices@stonehousetowncouncil.com