Exclusive by Alan Quick

CREDITON has been awarded the prestigious Silver Gilt Award for entering into the Pennant competition of the Royal Horticultural Society Britain In Bloom (RHSBIB) South West competition.

The judges said: “Crediton is a clean, tidy and well-presentated town. The pride taken in the town is evidenced by the lack of litter, dog fouling and generally well-maintained street furniture.”

In addition, the Three Little Pigs public house was awarded third place in the Best Public House in the South West category for its garden area in front of the pub.

The Awards were presented at a reception held at the Council Offices in Crediton, on Tuesday, October 31, by Lynette Talbot, RHS Judge and Chair of Sidmouth In Bloom.

She told the award recipients and those gathered at the reception that she was pleased to see that Crediton had improved on its results from previous years and encouraged everyone to continue to work hard to improve the town.

Crediton Town Councillor, Michael Szabo, Chairman of the Floral Crediton committee, which oversees Crediton’s entry into Britain in Bloom, said: “The BIB competition is about regenerating and transforming Crediton into a thriving and prosperous town and I am delighted to play my part in this programme.”

Crediton also had 14 voluntary community groups enter into the "It’s Your Neighbourhood" (“IYN”) Britain In Bloom South West competition.

Entries are assessed on the three pillars of gardening achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

The groups which received awards were: Friends of Mill Street, Peoples Park Wildlife Area (Crediton), Hillbrow Residential Care Home, Orchard Court (Crediton), Age Concern Crediton, Friends of Crediton Railway Station, Friends of Crediton Town Square, Crediton Bowling Club, Crediton Rotary Club, Keep Crediton Clean, Save the Housemartins, Friends of Longmeadows, Moffats Land Allotments and Crediton Lions.

Mr Szabo added: “The IYN groups form the foundation and are the driving force of Crediton In Bloom.

“Their individual dedication and commitment in caring for their environment and community, add greatly to the continual improvement of the Town.”

Any individuals, voluntary groups, or business owners that would like to take part in our entry next year can contact Michael Szabo on 01363 775255 or: [email protected] .