COMMUNITIES across Nottinghamshire are celebrating their pristine gardens and clean streets after receiving 19 awards at the East Midlands in Bloom Awards.
This years awards, which were held at the Lark Hill Village, in Clifton, yesterday Sept 17saw record entries into its seven categories.
Lark Hill Village, which is home to 446 residents, received a Silver Gilt - a level up from last year's Silver.
Sue Thompson, a member of the Lark Hill Gardening Group, said: "I think it is fantastic that we got a Silver Gilt. There's nobody under 55 here, and we have all done our little bit. If people can't do their own garden we go round to help. It will be round the village like a buzz tomorrow."
Steve Britton, events and activities manager at Lark Hill Village, said residents were now aiming for Gold next year.
He said: "It is a very proud moment for the village. I think the upgrade is down to all of their hard work. Not only is it good for the residents but it represents Nottinghamshire as well.
"The Gardening Group have already told me they are looking to go for Gold next year."
Each year members of the East Midlands in Bloom committee judge villages, towns and cities for their cleanliness, conservation and horticultural excellence.
Barton in Fabis took Gold for the small village of the year, and Ranby village received a Certificate of Achievement in the same category.
For the Campaign Category Award, Blidworth got a Silver for Small Town, and Southwell received a Silver for Medium Town.
In the Large Town category, Ilkeston and Long Eaton received a Gold and Newark took Silver.
Barton in Fabis parish councillor, Lynda Dransfield, said: "Well done to the village, it is a wonderful accolade. It is a credit to everyone who has been involved. Everyone has been behind it and supported it and a lot people have done a lot of good work to achieve this. I think it has also brought community spirit as well."
