Sidmouth in Bloom has won a national gold in the ‘coastal town’ category of the Britain in Bloom Awards. 

In addition, chair Lynette Talbot and secretary Peter Endersby were both named as Community Champions for their work with Sidmouth in Bloom – only 11 people in the whole of the British Isles received the title. 

Sidmouth in Bloom had been nominated to take part in the national competition after its success in the regional South West in Bloom contest last year, and the awards were announced in London on Monday, October 10. 

The Britain in Bloom judges visited Sidmouth in August, and Lynette said they had been particularly impressed with their tour of the town’s horticultural displays. 

Lynette said: “They said it was an excellent start at the Belmont Hotel, and an amazing finish in Connaught Gardens. It was a very well-run tour. 

“Even though they visited during the Folk Festival, the town was spotless, there was no litter anywhere, and a lot of weeding had been done.” 

She said she was particularly pleased that Sidmouth in Bloom’s emphasis on community involvement and environmental work had been recognised by the judges. She is also delighted that Peter has been rewarded: "He does all the behind the scenes work so he's not very visible, so this is brilliant for him."

The Community Champion awards had come as a complete surprise to Lynette and Peter - none of the winners had been notified in advance of the announcement at the ceremony.

Lynette has thanked all the volunteers involved in keeping Sidmouth looking beautiful, and the representatives from groups including Sidmouth Arboretum, the Friday Group and the Sidbashers Himalayan Balsam removal taskforce who came to meet the judges in August. 

Cllr Chris Lockyear, Chair of Sidmouth Town Council, said: “We are hugely proud of the achievements of Sidmouth in Bloom and their dedicated team of volunteers which has led to this well-deserved gold award and special congratulations to Lynette and Peter.”   

The winners of the South West in Bloom awards, in which Sidmouth is also a finalist, will be announced at another ceremony this Thursday, October 13.