Green-fingered volunteers in Colchester and Fordham were celebrating last night as the town and village scooped titles at the Britain in Bloom awards.

Colchester in Bloom was named as the Silver Gilt award winner in the small city category at the ceremony yesterday evening.

Fordham also took home gongs from the awards, winning both Silver in the village category and the Conservation and Wildlife discretionary award.

The two groups were put forward for the national title by regional judges after their success in last year’s Anglia in Bloom. Groups cannot nominate themselves for Britain in Bloom awards.

Pam Schomberg, chairman of Colchester in Bloom, said: “Taking part in Britain in Bloom is a tremendous experience for us all.

“It takes a lot of organising, time and effort, but without a doubt makes a big difference to the town.

“Gardens are tended, grass verges cut, people more aware of litter and cleanliness, and communities work together.”

Speaking at the time of their nomination Barbara Jones, chairman of Fordham in Bloom, said: “We are so excited, absolutely overwhelmed but really pleased.

“It is a big thing but we are working very hard all of the time.

“Fordham is a lovely village and we are very proud of it.”

Host James Alexander-Sinclair said: “Fordham is a wonderful example of all that’s best about Britain in Bloom and the amazing people who roll up their sleeves to make change happen.”

National judges visited each of the 70 finalists this summer to assess them against three key criteria of horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.

Roger Burnett, chairman of the UK judging panel, added: “This has been a vintage year for Britain in Bloom with communities across the country coming together to create wonderful floral displays that benefit not just the individuals involved, but their communities and the wider environment.

“The standard of entries this year has been incredibly high. It is an honour to recognise and celebrate the work these amazing people do to build stronger, healthier and happier communities through gardening.”