THREE hundred stunning flower displays have helped Banbury scoop a top award.

The town won gold in the small city category of the Thames & Chilterns in Bloom competition, overcoming competition from Bracknell and Aylesbury.

It was the first time since 2007 that the town has scooped a gold award in the contest – it has come close in the past few years winning a string of silver guilt awards.

Judges praised Banbury Town Council for its community garden, which is set within People’s Park, and its 300 “stunning” colour co-ordinated floral displays.

And they were also impressed by recently planted Help for Heroes roses at the People’s Park War Memorial, which was created to commemorate the Banbury branch of the Royal British Legion’s 90th anniversary this year.

Chairman of Banbury in Bloom Nicholas Harrison said: “To achieve this award we have shown a consistently high standard across the town – and what better way to celebrate this than by receiving a gold award.”

Judges visited the town in July and looked for horticultural achievement, including conservation and natural areas, the impact of floral displays, residential and community gardens, as well as community participation.

The community garden is run by volunteers and is a place for people of all ages and abilities to do as little or as much gardening as they want.

It has flowers, a pond and vegetable plots, and is also where the town council’s gardeners grow flowers for Banbury’s displays.

The award ceremony, in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, was attended by representatives of the town council and Cherwell District Council.

Colin Clarke, a former Banbury mayor who attended the ceremony, said: “We were chuffed because Bracknell pipped us to the post last year. I have been going around with the judges for five or six years and this was the first time I could not see anything wrong anywhere.

“The floral displays down the High Street were perfect. All in all we are very pleased – it was worth all the effort.”

Chairman of Thames and Chilterns in Bloom Pete Thompson said: “We were delighted by the very high standard across the region.

“The commitment by all entrants is tremendous.”

Witney has been presented with a top award at the Thames and Chilterns in Bloom awards.

The Royal Horticultural Society awarded Witney with the silver gilt in the large town category at a presentation. Gardens, Wood Green School and Church Green were all singled out for praise.