GREEN-FINGERED Halstead residents are blooming with pride after retaining their Anglia in Bloom best town award for the ninth year running.

At a ceremony in Norfolk yesterday, it was announced volunteers in the town has picked up the accolade once again.

As well as being named the best town, Halstead has been handed a gold award and the Public Gardens in Trinity Street named best five to ten acre park and given a gold award.

Despite a host of top prizes, the town failed to live up to last year’s phenomenal heights when it was named the Best Overall Entry in Anglia In Bloom, missing out to picturesque Bury St Edmunds.

Colin Bailey’s allotment also received the Grow Your Own award.

The excitement does not end here, with Britain in Bloom results set to be released in early October.

A Halstead in Bloom statement said: “The team is delighted to have achieved a gold award for Halstead and for the town to be named as best town for the ninth year running.

“Awards are always given to the town, not just to the in bloom team and we hope that all will benefit from the accolade of being a gold award winning floral town.

“All the Halstead in Bloom volunteers work hard to make Halstead a great place to live, work and visit and this award surely confirms that our aims are met.

“We know that residents are proud of the awards given to the town, and many visitors are attracted to Halstead by this in bloom success.

“Well done to all volunteers, town, district and county councils, sponsors and supporters who help to bring this success to Halstead.”

Bob Ollier, chairman of Anglia in Bloom said: “The continued key to success has been community involvement where everyone gets involved and works together and then deliver great community projects.

“All communities are recognising the importance of sustainable displays coupled with good horticultural standards and delivering outstanding floral displays.

“These are all achieved through the support from sponsors and community groups engaged across the region, who are all dedicated to enhancing their community within Anglia in Bloom’s Prestigious Environmental Campaign. I congratulate all the communities in the Anglia Region, for the enthusiasm, commitment and effort made to improve, develop and sustain local environments across our region, it is a great credit.”