A DEDICATED volunteer group from Christchurch have been awarded a prestigious prize for their floral displays at the railway station.

Members of the Friends of Christchurch Railway Station, who were the only entry from Christchurch this year, were recognised at the South England event in Brighton as part of the ‘In your Neighbourhood’ category.

They won the ‘Thriving’ class, an award they have picked up for the past few years.

Chairman of the group, Cllr Fred Neale, said: “We are very pleased we kept our momentum going having achieved awards now for over seven years since we started and have been instrumental in many station improvements over this time.

“We have also seen an upturn in the numbers travelling and using the station.

“I believe we are keeping the entrance looking fitting for our community which is a major gateway to our historic town of Christchurch.”

The thorny issue of Britain in Bloom was raised at a meeting of the full council earlier this summer.

Christchurch said they were unable to enter due to a lack of resources following cuts to their tourism department.

Community groups will be asked to lead next year’s entry, despite concerns over an impact on tourism.

Cllr Neale added: “The council has continued to do just as much fantastic planting this year throughout the borough and keeping the town welcoming for all our many residents and visitors by their floral displays.

“I am very proud on behalf of all the volunteers to have achieved another award, which is becoming harder each year to improve on, but we would like to do so.”

The group are also appealing for volunteers to join them. Contact Fred Neale on cllr.fneale@ christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk.