Eight people sit on a low stone wall as they pose for a picture. They're all wearing florescent yellow jackets. — Image caption,

Steve and Christine (L) with the Bath in Bloom volunteers 2024

Clara Bullock

BBC News, Wiltshire

Carys Nally

BBC News, West of England

A city’s gardens have been crowned the best in the country in a prestigious competition.

After winning the very first Britain in Bloom awards 60 years ago, Bath’s gardening group won the title again this year – beating off 52 finalists from across the UK.

In addition to the overall title, Bath in Bloom achieved a gold medal in the Small City category.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s judges said the Bath in Bloom group, which is made up of volunteers, had proved to be “outstanding all-rounders”.

Meanwhile, South Swindon in Bloom won gold in the ‘champion of champions’ category in the South West’s in Bloom competition.

The gardening club tends to a range of public green spaces across Swindon.

This year judges assessed each finalist according to criteria that has horticulture, the environment and community engagement at their core.

“Britain in Bloom and Bath have been connected right from the start with both celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2024,” said Darren Share, chair of judges.

“It was clear to see Bath pulled out all the stops to celebrate this momentous event.”

Image source, South Swindon Parish Council

Image caption,

South Swindon won in the champion of champions category

Married couple Steve and Christine, who met while volunteering at the gardening group, said winning the competition was “just brilliant”.

Receiving the award on behalf of the group, Christine said: “We’re literally the tip of the iceberg, there’s a team in Bath that help with this, we’re talking hundreds of people.”

Dame Mary Berry, RHS Ambassador, said: “Bath in Bloom won this competition 60 years ago and have done it again on their 60th anniversary. Bath is such a special place to me – I grew up there. Congratulations!”

Image caption,

Dame Mary Berry described Bath as a “special”place

Other winners from this year’s South West competition includes TWIGS Community Gardens, Swindon, which was awarded the third-best “In Your Neighbourhood” entry.

A pupil from Badbury Park Primary School, Swindon, came in third place in the under-six painting competition.