Melksham's growing community spirit has been recognised, with the town’s first ever award in the annual South West in Bloom competition.

It took silver in the Nellie Sargent Cup, on its first entry for the contest.

Deputy town clerk Miriam Zaccarelli and town council committee administrator Lorraine McRandle collected the award, on behalf of the community, at a ceremony in Truro last Thursday.

Miss Zaccarelli said: “The whole community worked so hard to make the town look great when the judges came in July.

“As well as those we know about, there are so many more who just quietly keep the town clean and take care of their gardens and business front-ages, and pick up litter when they are out and about and contribute to Melksham looking great all year round. So many people joined in with so many hours of work; councillors, staff, volunteers, as well as excellent help from Wiltshire Council’s highways and streetscene team.”

The committee had four weeks to prepare.

Councillor Terri Welch said: “The judges were very supportive of the amount of community involvement, so it’s an encouragement for the future. They were also delighted with the Conigre Mead.”

Trowbridge picked up three certificates, for the Big Community Grow and The Mead and Longmea-dow primary schools.

Mel Jacob, who oversees the Grow project, said: “l’m really thrilled with the awards. It means so much to have our project recognised and valued.”