MARLBOROUGH blossomed at the South West in Bloom Awards in Taunton, picking up a handful of top marks as well as an abundance of cups.

Twelve groups from the town were entered into the annual competition, with four of them walking away with an outstanding rating, the highest in the competition.

Stonebridge Water Meadows, The Waterfront Garden at Kennet Place, Marlborough Community Orchard and The Merchant’s House Gardens were all awarded the top rating in the It’s Your Neighbourhood section which go to volunteers for selected areas of the town.

Anne Crawley, chairman of the Marlborough in Bloom committee, said: “We were thrilled to bits, everybody has put so much hard work into it this year, and for some it is a climax to decades of hard work. The awards are well deserved to all of the people in the Its Your Neighbourhood part of the awards, which were presented by Downton Abbey creator, Lord Julian Fellowes and his wife, Lady Emma Fellowes.

“This year we wanted to show the judge as much of Marlborough as possible, I think he wanted to see more work from the children of the town so next year we will be showing him all the schools, the college and the scouts and bring the younger generation into it.”

As well as receiving top marks in the areas around the town, Marlborough also scooped up a Silver Gilt award, a South West Tourism Association Cup and the Shaun Gregan cup, won by The Lamb for the best floral display at a pub.

Shelley Parker, Marlborough town clerk, said: "The Town Council is delighted that Marlborough’s entry into this year’s South West in Bloom competition has been so successful.  W’re delighted to be working in partnership with the In Bloom team on it.  The town’s participation in the Its Your Neighbourhood Scheme has been amazing with some great achievements at all levels.  It’s good too to be bringing home some silverware.  Congratulations to everyone involved."

Judge of the awards Tim Eley expressed his delight at the work that had been carried out on The Waterfront Garden at Kennet Place.

Speaking on The Waterfront, Mr Eley said: “The community has come together and made this a fabulous oasis.”