GREEN fingered community members in Bere Alston were delighted to have received a silver gilt award at the recent Britain in Bloom South West award ceremony — the village’s first time entering the awards.

A large proportion of the Bere Alston community had spent the spring and summer months transforming the historic mining village into a glorious riot of colour that impressed the judges into giving them a silver gilt — only two points short of a gold award.

The judges made particular mention of the fact that it was the greatest amount of community involvement that they had ever seen.

Helena Rogers, who was involved in the community effort, said: ‘Everyone was amazed and delighted to be awarded the silver gilt.

‘In fact, one of the judges said that he had never known a first time entrant score so highly!

‘The two judges also commented that they had never before known such a level of community involvement — but no one is resting on their laurels.

‘They are now replacing the summer flowering plants for autumn and winter displays, while at the same time making plans to win the gold next year!’

The silver gilt certificate was presented to the group by Lord Julian Fellowes who, together with his wife Lady Emma, presented the certificates to all the prize-winner of the South West Britain in Bloom.