AFTER Marlborough's blossoming success at the South West in Bloom Awards, there could only be one winner of the town's citizen of the year award.

Anne Crawley, chairman of the Marlborough in Bloom committee, received more nominations than anyone else for her stellar voluntary efforts around the town and being a key player in helping the group pick up four outstanding ratings at the awards, the highest in the competition.

A delighted Mrs Crawley, of River Park, Marlborough, was presented with an engraved glass bowl and certificate by mayor Noel Barrett-Morton at the town's Christmas Lights Switch on last Friday.

"It means so much to me to receive this, it is a huge honour. This is for all the people who turned out in the cold and the rain and spent all year doing great things for this town," said Mrs Crawley, who together with the mayor flicked the switch to turn the town's lights on."

"We have had so much support from people right across the town. It is very heart warming to get recognised but it has been a real team effort and I am very grateful.

"I am just bowled over by it all. It is very important to me to see the town blossom."

Mayor Barrett-Morton added: "Anne has contributed so much to the town entries into South West in Bloom."

This year was supposed to mark the first time the Young Citizen of the Year award was launched but unfortunately no nominations were entered.

"It was a real shame that no nominations were received but it will definitely happen next year," said town clerk Shelley Parker.