A HOST of blooming beautiful flower displays have earned two Dorset towns regional accolades.

In a record-breaking year for Bournemouth, the town was awarded ten golds, three silver gilts and one silver in the Regional South and South East in Bloom competition, as well as winning the town award for the best in Dorset and for a large coastal town.

And for the second time since 2011, Wimborne has won ' best small town' in the awards.

The results were announced at an awards ceremony held at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton yesterday.

All areas of Bournemouth tasted triumph, from the Townsend Together Team to the Kinson Nature Reserve.

Boscombe Chine Gardens and Hengistbury Head both won gold in their respective categories, while there were first time gold awards for Fisherman's Walk, Boscombe Overcliff Gardens and Tuckton Tea Gardens.

There was also success in the 'It's your Neighbourhood awards' with community groups from Pokesdown, Westbourne, Alum Chine and Boscombe all recognised.

Councillor Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “These results are fantastic and show just what can be achieved when the council and the community join forces to improve our local environment. It fills me with civic pride to know we have created parks and gardens in Bournemouth of the highest standard that we can truly be proud of.”

In East Dorset, judges hailed an “enchanting” town, adding that the centre is a “riot of colour and vibrancy”.

Volunteers were also commended for working “tirelessly with dedication and pure love”.

Richard Nunn, chair of Wimborne in Bloom, thanked the whole town for their efforts after he was presented with the gold award by celebrity gardener Chris Collins.

He said: “Our achievements in the regional competition are a great accolade for our town.

“This was made possible by a huge community effort and the support of so many.”