BUXTON is officially blooming after celebrating more success in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.The spa town scored first prize and a silver gilt medal for the third successive year in the Large Town category.

Jane McGrother, Chair of the Buxton in Bloom Committee, said: "We are delighted to win our category for the third time in a row, and very grateful to all those who took part.

"Buxton in Bloom brings together the whole community, including many volunteers, and they should all feel very proud of their achievement." he said Buxton Junior School deserved a special mention for winning a silver medal in the Best School Garden category – despite only having its garden for a year. Headteacher Cecilia Minter said: "We are very proud to have received a silver award for the Best School Garden in the East Midlands region, and also a certificate from Buxton in Bloom.
"The awards acknowledge the work accomplished by pupils, parents, staff, governors and members of the local community, as well as our involvement with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. It has been wonderful to see everyone working together to improve our school environment." lso at last week's awards ceremony, High Peak Borough Council received a Judges Award for its cutting edge, environmentally-sensitive management of the Pavilion Gardens.

Judges praised the only Green Heritage Park in the East Midlands for its high quality floral displays, wonderful collection of trees and chemical-free gardening methods, describing it as 'the jewel in Buxton's crown'.

In the Small Communities Category, a certificate of outstanding achievement went to Cavendish Fields Residents Association for its creative amenity area, including an imaginative tree sculpture. Both Dovedale Crescent and Milton Court received certificates of merit in the Medium Communities section for their colourful gardens and floral displays.

Also singled out for praise from the judges were Buxton's floral displays and entrance displays at gateways into the town, the grounds of Milnthorpe Homes, care of trees, the Cavendish Hospital Garden, St Anne's RC Primary School and the Serpentine Project. Buxton is representing the region in the national Britain in Bloom finals, the results of which will be announced on September 24.