THERE were loud cheers as the coveted Britain in Bloom Small Town Trophy was paraded through the streets of Wimborne.

The procession led by the town crier Chris Brown and his deputy Mel Gudger, was to celebrate the town’s win at the national competition in Guernsey at the weekend. (OCT 6) It is the first time the market town has won the coveted award in its 20 year history despite being nominated on three previous occasions.

The parade started at the Allendale Centre and finished at the Minster Green where members of the Wimborne In Bloom committee were greeted by the town mayor and mayoress Cllr John and Mrs Ann Burden.

Anthony Oliver, chairman of Wimborne in Bloom, said the win was a just reward for everyone’s hard work throughout the year.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and I am full of praise for all of those who have helped us. It has been a particularly difficult year with the adverse weather conditions but many of our supporters have been out and about on almost a daily basis since April weeding pavements and litter picking to ensure the town looked its very best when the judges visited in August.”

Mr Oliver was also presented with the Community Champions Award by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Although he revealed his plans to stand down as chairman he will continue to be involved with the committee.

A spokesman for the RHS said: “During his many years as chairman of Wimborne in Bloom, Anthony Oliver has been the driving force in the campaign. This is to be his final year as chairman and so it is fitting that we acknowledge the splendid work that he has done and the legacy that he will pass on.”