2008 RHS Britain in Bloom Winners announced

Release Date: 22nd Sep 2008

2008 RHS BRITAIN IN BLOOM WINNERS ANNOUCED

Nottingham has been crowned Champion of Champions 2008 in the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards, the largest horticultural campaign in Europe. The awards ceremony was attended by over 450 gardening enthusiasts and community champions, and was held on 24th September 2008,  at Chester Race Course.  Special guest star,TV gardener Chris Beardshaw, presented the prizes.

RHS Britain in Bloom, supported by Shredded Wheat, presented 69 finalist communities, selected from over 1,000 competitors, with awards of Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze. Nottingham triumphed over Alness, Darley, Heysham and St. Ives & Carbis Bay, the other competitors in the Champion of Champions category.

The 69 finalists were judged over the summer by RHS judges who travelled the length and breadth of the country using as wide a range of public transport available. Each entrant was judged on a number of areas of achievement; their floral displays, permanent landscaping, sustainable development, environmental initiatives, public awareness and community participation.

Special RHS Britain in Bloom Discretionary Awards were also given out to thirteen entries that demonstrated excellence in a specific area. The theme for 2008 was Local Roots, which recognised the community that best encouraged activities and links between their unique local history or cultural diversity.

Two new awards introduced this year were the RHS Britain in Bloom Young People's Award and the Unannounced Judging Award. The young people's award encourages finalists to actively engage participation from young people in the community.

Roger Burnett Chair of the National RHS Britain in Bloom Judging panel said, "2008 has once again proved that the Britain in Bloom campaign recognises all that is great about Britain. Despite the poor summer weather the finalists proved beyond doubt just what can be achieved when communities work together.

"Britain in Bloom has, in the past, been seen as a floral competition, judged on the quality and quantity of hanging baskets and bedding plants. However with the recent shift towards sustainable planting and environmental responsibility, we are seeing fantastic innovation not only in style of planting but in the choice of plants used."

RHS Director-General Inga Grimsey said, "Each year we are delighted by the entrants' enthusiasm for Britain in Bloom and their commitment to improve local environments through creative and sustainable planting. Britain in Bloom clearly illustrates that despite reports of rising crime and social indifference, there are thousands of communities working to create safe, inclusive, positive environments for all to enjoy."

For more information on RHS Britain in Bloom, which has been running for over 40 years and aspires to make communities healthier, greener and more socially responsible.