BUXTON has won a silver medal in the Towns category of the prestigious Entente Florale competition.
The town received its award during a glittering ceremony in Cardiff on Friday – just days after scooping the top prize in this year's East Midlands in Bloom competition for the fourth year in a row.

And the European judges singled out the Pavilion Gardens as a major contribution to the quality of the town's entry.

Retiring Buxton in Bloom chairman Jane McGrother, who has led the Entente Florale bid, said: "We would have liked the gold, but silver is still a great achievement. Out of 11 countries, only one was awarded the gold, although the judges said we were very close.

"It is a credit to everyone who has helped support the bid – community groups, local businesses and the staff at the Pavilion Gardens."

The Entente Florale is a European competition for towns and villages in 12 countries. Buxton was chosen by the Royal Horticultural Society to represent the UK after its success in last year's East Midlands in Bloom. The UK's other entry, Forres in Scotland, won gold in the villages category.

Entente Florale judge Clive Addison said: "At this high level of European competition, both Forres and Buxton did fantastically well to achieve their results. Buxton's wonderful Pavilion Gardens made a major contribution to the quality of their entry."

High Peak MP Tom Levitt said: "The team under Jane McGrother has worked incredibly hard and deserve this recognition. Being second – of many thousands – is high praise indeed.

"Jane brought together businesses, sponsors, celebrities and ordinary people who care about the quality of life. Her energy and ability to pull people together was at the heart of this success. This was not just about flowers but about commitment, community and common cause."

* Anyone interested in taking on the role of Buxton in Bloom chairman can call Jane on 01298 24779 for more information.

(Courtest of Buxton Advertiser)