THE town is celebrating as Marlborough was once again presented with a gold award in the South West in Bloom competition for a second year running.

After volunteers worked tirelessly to get the town looking clean, tidy and colourful all year round, it is now time to celebrate as Marlborough holds onto its title for another year.

Marlborough in Bloom chairman Steve Pascall said: “We are delighted with the results this year, and it really was a whole community effort.

“We have been working with the Town Council and a fantastic team of volunteer gardeners who have worked very hard and must be praised.

“We have really put Marlborough on the map as a whole community.”

Mr Pascall also spoke about his plans for upcoming years, and how he hopes Marlborough can hold onto its golden title.

“I am really keen to get more children involved next year.

“It would be good to get more schools involved and children growing various things, I am sure they would enjoy it.

“It is important that we don’t sit back now, we have got to this level and want to carry on.

“It has been brilliant to bring everyone together and I’m excited to see what could come of the future.”

Several areas of the town also got recognised in the In Your Neighbourhood section and were rated outstanding, including Alma Place, The Merchant’s House, the Old Victorian Cemetery, Waterfront Garden, the Community Orchard, Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, Coopers Meadow and Marlborough College.

Preshute School’s rain garden and St Peter’s Churchyard were designated thriving and Plume of Feathers and The Mead as improving.

Action for the River Kennet also won the Sutton Seeds Cup for an Outstanding Area of Nature Conservation at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve.

Many residents took to social media to comment on the win.

Jane Hey said: “Well deserved - they have looked wonderful all summer. Not easy to keep looking good in the heat we had.”

Gaye Denyer said: “Well deserved and thank you to everybody who made Marlborough look so lovely.”

Richard Beale said: “Great to see the mayor Lisa Farrell there representing the town. A great ambassador for Marlborough.”

Lindsay Long said: “Well done to everyone for all the hard work!”

The awards will be presented at the Marlborough in Bloom AGM on November 8 in the Town Hall at 7pm.