A Suffolk town has been selected to represent the Anglia region in the prestigious Britain in Bloom finals.

The north Suffolk town of Brandon has earned one of three places to represent the Anglia region at the national awards, alongside Redbourn in Hertfordshire and Huntingdon.

At a regional level, the town received three gold awards at the 2022 Anglia in Bloom competition and also achieved three category wins: Best Town, Best Jubilee Display and Best Garden for Special Needs.

East Anglian Daily Times: At a regional level, the town received three gold awards at the 2022 Anglia in Bloom competition.At a regional level, the town received three gold awards at the 2022 Anglia in Bloom competition. (Image: Brandon in Bloom)

Chris Durham, chairman of Anglia in Bloom, noted the progress Brandon in Bloom has made since it was formed in 2014, commending the work of their "dedicated team of volunteers".

East Anglian Daily Times: Anglia In Bloom chairman Chris Durham (left) with a group of Anglia In Bloom judges. Credit: Derek Nicker.Anglia In Bloom chairman Chris Durham (left) with a group of Anglia In Bloom judges. Credit: Derek Nicker. (Image: Derek Nicker)

He added: "The Brandon team through their tireless work have not only inspired their local community, but have inspired other entrants within the whole Anglia In Bloom region."

Over 1,600 communities enter into the regional competitions each year, with only 44 finalists for the 2023 Britain in Bloom UK awards.

West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock said he was "thrilled and delighted" to hear that Brandon had been selected to represent the region.

East Anglian Daily Times: West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock was thrilled to hear of Brandon's success.West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock was thrilled to hear of Brandon's success. (Image: PA)

He added: "Hats off to the team and to the local community for all your hard work - it's a fantastic achievement and one you should be immensely proud of."

The national awards will be held in August of this year and judges will take three criteria into account: Horticultural Excellence, Environmental Responsibility and Community Participation.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Wedge is Brandon in Bloom's showpiece garden located in the centre of town.The Wedge is Brandon in Bloom's showpiece garden located in the centre of town. (Image: Brandon in Bloom)

Brandon in Bloom is now calling upon the local community for help, as it has just 26 volunteers involved on a regular basis, and has also launched new sponsorship schemes for businesses.

East Anglian Daily Times: Brandon in Bloom has 26 regular volunteers and is calling on the local community for their help.Brandon in Bloom has 26 regular volunteers and is calling on the local community for their help. (Image: Brandon in Bloom)

A spokesman for Brandon in Bloom said: "We realise that 2023 is going to be a tough year and entry into the Britain in Bloom campaign will promote Brandon on a national level.

"We intend to do our best to show the rest of the UK just what a wonderful communty Brandon has."