For the third year running, Boston retained its gold status in the East Midlands in Bloom competition, with thanks to the dedicated Boston in Bloom volunteers and supporters.

Congratulating Boston the judges said another excellent entry was delivered “and perhaps – who knows – the category winner in 2018”.

The Your Day, Your Say group in Central Park received the Judges’ Award for “the inspiring gardening”.

The judges also praised the “strong” floral displays, newly-planted birch trees and the new art deco-styled garden in Central Park.

The judges, who toured Witham Way Country Park, Memorial Gardens which they said were “beautiful again”, Central Park, Market Place and the Stump church grounds.

They said: “We met many volunteers of all ages, organisations and businesses who were fully supporting the Bloom campaign. Good to see business support continuing”.

They praised the town’s hanging baskets and barrier displays, Pescod Square hanging baskets and balcony planting and the knot gardens and the bell beds in the Stump grounds.

They said the cleanliness of the town was generally good; the monolith information boards were “unique”.

Alison Fairman, chairman of Boston in Bloom, said: “We are delighted with a third gold, a vindication for the town and its efforts to become a visitor destination.  The 260 delegates from all over the East Midlands were astounded by the magnificence of the church, the smoothness of the organisation, and the Market Place. Judge Jeff Bates, Chairman of East Midlands in Bloom, said it was the finest venue that the Royal Horticultural Society had had in his 13 years as chairman.

“The volunteers will start the work again later this year with a delivery of 90 tons of soil to raise the wildflower meadow at the Haven Bridge.”

Cllr Claire Rylott, Boston Borough Council’s Cabinet member for grounds and open spaces, added: “Getting a third gold on the trot is such a great boost for Boston. It’s a gold award for all involved – every one of the hard working volunteers who I absolutely applaud for the hard work they do in all weathers for just this reward, the council’s grounds staff and partner agencies such as Community Payback and North Sea Camp. I would love to name every individual, there are so many and every single one of them is brilliant and represent all that is best about Boston. Well done everyone and thank you to all the sponsors who continue to support.”