THERE has been high praise over the years for the people of Crediton, and in particular some of the groups who work hard to look after the flora and fauna of the town.

In October last year the town was awarded a Pennant (Town and City South) Silver Gilt Award by South West in Bloom judge Tony Moore to Assistant Crediton Town Clerk Emma Anderson and Britain in Bloom co-ordinator for Crediton, Mike Szabo.

It was an exceptional year for Crediton in the RHS Britain in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards with 10 of the many groups which make up the Crediton in Bloom organisation receiving “Outstanding” awards.

It is the first time that Crediton has received so many “Outstanding” commendations.

The 10 recipients of “Outstanding” awards were: Landscore Primary School, Crediton Library Community Garden, Crediton Boniface Rotary, Sustainable Crediton Pollinator Group, Moffat Land Allotments, Friends of Crediton Railway Station, Friends of the Town Square, Exeter Road Gardener, Station Tea Rooms and The Turning Tides Another Root Project.

“Thriving” awards were presented to: St Lawrence Green group, Crediton Bowling Club, Friends of St Boniface Well, Green Fingers of Sandford, Friends of the Roundabout and Crediton and District Lions.

“Advancing” awards went to: Jockey Hill Gardener, Hillbrow Residential Care Home, Save the Housemartins in Westernlea and Crediton Age Concern.

Mr Szabo said that the efforts of those involved in Crediton in Bloom raised the profile of the town, encouraged councils to clean streets and parks and created community.

He said that the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards encouraged volunteer led groups to clean and green up the area with community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement.

The RHS Britain in Bloom judges Tony Moore and David Purkiss visited Crediton to complete their assessment of the town and groups on July 19.

They toured the town, visiting many areas, completing a very detailed report and marking it on horticulture, environment and community.

Some of the certificates which were unable to be collected at the presentation ceremony last year have now been presented.

Alison Blackburn was presented with two certificates.

She cares for the garden at Crediton Bowling Club and was presented with an Outstanding award.

Alison also cares for the garden at the St Boniface Well and received a Thriving award.

The Station Tea Rooms and The Turning Tides Another Root Project both received Outstanding certificates.

Bert and Margaret Jewell received an Outstanding certificate for the Friends of Crediton Town Square and also a Thriving level award for the floral displays in Exeter Road.

All of the certificates were presented by Mr Mike Szabo, who is also a Crediton Town Councillor.

Alan Quick