Green-fingered residents' pride in their communities has been rewarded with a harvest of awards at the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom UK final.
Market Bosworth, Loughborough and Evington, in Leicester, flew the flag for the county at the competition's 50th birthday awards, in Bristol, last night.
They had beaten off competition from almost 4,000 other 'Bloom' groups just to make the national final, known as the 'Oscars' of gardening.
Bosworth in Bloom scooped Gold in the Large Village category.
Chris Hooker, chairman, Bosworth in Bloom said: "We are absolutely delighted.
"Market Bosworth has taken part in the competition for many years and this year, the whole village has taken a keen interest in the outcome of the judging.
"Just being at the UK final was a wonderful experience – to be part of a national event and to see and hear from the representatives of the army of volunteers out there who work to keep Britain beautiful is quite amazing."
The judging panel, led by RHS gardener Roger Burnett , visited local projects to assess them against three key criteria – horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.
Commenting on Bosworth in Bloom, Mr Burnett said: "The floral impact in the Market Square and shops was a pleasure to see.
"The support from the Fire Station, school restaurants and businesses, was fantastic and made such a contribution in the street scene for all to see."
He added: "The Story of the War Horse, the Leicestershire Regiment and the display were also commendable to commemorate a 100 years since the start of the First World War."
Loughborough in Bloom won a Silver Gilt award in the Small City category.
Chairman Andy Rush said: "To reach the final twice in the space of two years was something we would never have dreamed of when we first started out on our adventure just six years ago.
"Just to be nominated for an award is an amazing honour and a testament to the hard work all of those involved."
He added: "Maybe we didn't win the category this time around, but really, at the end of the day, the prize has been to witness all the groups, individuals and sectors of the town's community coming together to make Loughborough a nicer place to live in and visit."
Evington, meanwhile, picked up a Silver in the Urban Community category.
Co-ordinator Helen Pettman said: "It's a tremendous honour for us.
"Seven years ago we were a small 'It's Your Neighbourhood' group working on one flower bed.
"Today, we have got recognition at a national level. We are immensely proud."
The awards were presented byRutland gardener, RHS ambassador and six-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist, Adam Frost.
He said: "'In my early career I was involved in Britain in Bloom and in April this year I helped launch the 50th anniversary of this fantastic campaign.
"So, I know all about the amazing work that the thousands of Bloom volunteers up and down the country do on a daily basis."
He added: "It's such an honour to be asked to present the awards to those who have made it to the national finals – they are all inspirational people."
