Bury St Edmunds will compete at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition following its success at this year’s regional contest.
The town scooped a host of awards for its outstanding floral displays at the Anglia in Bloom competition, held in September, including best overall entry and best large town.
Bury will now go forward to next year’s Britain in Bloom competition as the region’s entry in the national contest.
Britain in Bloom, which is now in its 53rd year, will be the subject of a BBC Two series set to air next spring.
Melanie Lesser, Bury in Bloom coordinator, said: “We’re over the moon with the news. The judges were really impressed with the town this year.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved because it isn’t just Bury in Bloom, the residents and businesses really got behind us.
“Over the years, the town has kept on improving and the judges were particularly impressed with the cleanliness of the town and how there was no litter around.
“I think the love that we all have for the town shone through.”
Earlier this year, the town was described by Anglia in Bloom judge Nigel Bloxham as having the “wow factor at every turn”, and achieved some of the highest marks ever given.
Jo Rayner, St Edmundsbury Borough Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “I am thrilled that we are through and I congratulate everyone whose hard work helps make the town so special.
“It is a true community effort led with energy and ingenuity and I am very proud of the part our street scene, parks and gardens team play.
“We have been consistent performers in Anglia in Bloom but it has been a few years since we went through to the national level.
“We will be up against some iconic towns, and I am confident that our residents, business and partners will continue to do the town proud.”
Matt Osborne, of Greene King, which has announced it will be sponsoring Bury in Bloom for a second three-year period, said: “It is wonderful to be supporting this great local initiative.”
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