COMMUNITY effort shone through as Minehead scooped a gold award for a second successive year in the prestigious South West in Bloom Awards (SWiBA).

The awards are part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom campaign, celebrating horticultural excellence and community involvement.

This year’s triumph for Minehead was especially significant as it followed shortly after the town council took on responsibility from Somerset Council for maintaining the town’s open spaces, such as Blenheim Gardens.

Town councillors only took on their new role in May.

Despite undergoing such a major transition, the town flourished thanks to the dedication of the town council’s grounds maintenance team and the tireless efforts of volunteers coupled with strong community support.

For the SWiBA judging, Minehead welcomed Richard Budge, from Truro City Council, last year’s national winners, meaning expectations were set particularly high.

Mr Budge toured the town to view the floral displays, environmental initiatives, and community projects which were helping Minehead to bloom this year.

The Mayor of Minehead, Cllr Craig Palmer, said he was immensely proud of the achievement.

Cllr Palmer said: “Winning gold again is a tremendous honour for our town.

“This award belongs to everybody, from our incredible volunteers who give their time so generously, to the town council grounds staff who have gone above and beyond this year.

“Taking on the management of open spaces was a big step, but the whole community has risen to the challenge.

“Minehead looks stunning, and this gold award proves what we can achieve when we all work together.”

Mr Budge praised the town’s high horticultural standards, innovative planting schemes, and the community engagement evident throughout Minehead.

Cllr Palmer said the town council wanted to thank all the volunteers, community groups, schools, businesses, and residents whose contributions had made the success possible.