HALESOWEN has won a coveted gold award in the regional Britain in Bloom awards for the second year running, it was announced today.

Heart of England in Bloom judges were impressed by the massive community effort which had gone into improving the environment.

The hard work and leadership of Halesowen in Bloom chairman Eve O’Connor was also recognised at this morning’s awards ceremony in Aldridge, when she was presented with a an outstanding merit award for her contribution.

Mrs O’Connor, who is also manager of the Cornbow Shopping Centre, said: “Over the blooming moon. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this achievement and made this possible, you’re all blooming amazing”

The town has achieved two golds and a silver gilt in just three years of entering the competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Judges Trish Willetts and Graham Redfern were stunned when they toured the town in July at what had been achieved in a relatively short time.

They were particularly impressed with the canal boat planter at the bottom of Mucklow Hill and the restoration work going in the Leasowes Walled Garden.

Halesowen North councillor and cabinet member for environmental services Councillor Hilary Bills said she was “delighted” the town had earned another gold award.

The Heart of England in Bloom region covers a wide area from Gloucestershire to North Staffordshire and includes Birmingham and the Black Country, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.