SUPPORTERS of Stroud in Bloom are celebrating floral success after receiving a top award for this year's efforts.

The town managed to retain the prestigious Silver Gilt award, narrowly missing out on the coveted and rare Gold award.

The judges, who came to Stroud in July, have now announced the results and said the display at Hillier Close was outstanding and were also impressed by the way Stroud in Bloom stalwart Don Briggs had helped transform the grounds of the Rosary School.

They also liked the Folly Lane allotments, Stroud & Swindon courtyard, Park and Bank Gardens, Stratford Park, window displays, clean up campaigns and, perhaps surprisingly, Stroud's impressive recycling rate.

Stroud in Bloom's Sue Sutton said the competition was no longer simply about the flowers but also covered environmental initiatives and community projects to make living and working in the town better for everyone.

The areas with room for improvement which would need to be sorted out to clinch the Gold award were floral features in the High Street, planting of trees and shrubs, more community involvement in clean up initiatives and a spot of weeding. "We're very pleased with the result," said Sue.

"I was a bit worried we might not retain the Silver Gilt because I'd noticed a few short-comings around town but maybe I was being too critical."

She said the committee would be making every effort to go for Gold in next year's competition but would need the public and businesses to get behind them.

Some of the judging categories insist on public involvement and even more support from the people of the town is needed to allow Stroud in Bloom committee to guide us to Gold.