Sutton Coldfield struck gold again in the annual Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Heart of England in Bloom competition.
The town’s achievement in the Small City category was revealed at a ceremony held at the Tally Ho Club in Birmingham.
Judges from RHS visited Sutton Coldfield in early July to assess the town’s entry into the Heart of England in Bloom competition.
Representatives were taken on a tour of Sutton Coldfield and shown the various displays, projects and initiatives that have been installed and delivered over recent months.
Judges viewed planting at the Harvest Fields Centre and toured a community allotment plot, Hill Hook Nature Reserve, The ReUsers Centre, Jones Wood and Sutton Park.
The town was accessed on horticultural excellence, community participation and environmentally sustainable practices and was awarded Gold status for demonstrating a consistently high standard in all areas of the judging criteria.
Cllr Jan Cairns, mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, said: “All year round, community groups, businesses and green-fingered residents along with support from the Town Council have maintained the town’s high standard of fabulous floral displays, impressive community projects and initiatives to help protect our environment, this is a fantastic result.”
Sutton Coldfield in Bloom was formed in 2018, receiving a Silver Gilt in its first year followed by a Gold in 2019.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the competition was suspended in 2020/21.
Cllr Terry Wood, chairman of Sutton Coldfield in Bloom, added: “Sutton Coldfield in Bloom is more than just flowers, it is a town wide community initiative that demonstrates civic pride and communities joining together to build a stronger local identity.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in helping us achieve a Gold award this year.”
