ORGANISERS of Stourbridge in Bloom are celebrating after scooping a gold award for the first time in a prestigious competition.

Stourbridge picked up two awards, including gold in the large town category, for its entry in the Heart of England in Bloom contest and Mary Stevens Park also scooped the Heart of England award for horticultural excellence, which follows Wollescote Park’s win of the same award last year Stourbridge in Bloom co-ordinator, David Harcourt, attended the glitzy awards ceremony in Burton on Trent, on Thursday September 11.

He said: “It was fantastic, it has taken us four years to get this award, it was overwhelming.

“I was first called to receive the horticultural excellence for Mary Stevens Park, it was a real surprise to get called for the gold award as well.

“We have put a lot of hard work in to this and it is difficult to get the gold.

“I would like to thank everyone who got involved in Stourbridge in Bloom, a big thank you to all voluntary groups, individuals, Churches Together and the Friends of Wollescote Park and the Friends of Mary Stevens Park groups, plus businesses who supported it.

“I would also like to thank area committee for all their support.”

Vice chairman of the group, cllr Heather Rogers, added: “I was absolutely delighted that Stourbridge won the gold award and that Mary Stevens Park won the Heart of England for horticultural excellence, this covers the horticulture displays which were stunning, particularly in the tea gardens.

“As vice chairman of the Friends the Mary Stevens park group I was able to tell the judges of the future involvement plans to make the park more attractive for future visitors.”

Cabinet member for economic regeneration, cllr Malcolm Knowles, said: “This award has confirmed what we already know - that Stourbridge is a wonderful place to live, work and play.

“I would like to say a huge congratulations and well done to the many schools, businesses and organisations involved.”