The town’s floral displays drooped into the ‘Small City’ Silver Gilt position, still impressive but not enough to allow entry into next year’s national finals where only Gold is accepted.

The gong was awarded as part of the Thames and Chilterns regional entry into the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom initiative.

The presentation ceremony was held at Henley Town Hall last Wednesday.

Bracknell in Bloom won the regional award for Best Business involvement, presented to the entrant that demonstrated the best environmental and horticultural contribution from business, retail or corporate interests.

Anne McKay, Bracknell in Bloom’s co-ordinator, said: “The regeneration works did have an effect on this year’s entry as we usally have floral displays in the town centre.

“In the light of this we are very happy to be crowned the winners in the Small City category and win a Silver Gilt. It is a great achievement after a lot of hard work.” Cllr Allan Moffat, chairman of Bracknell in Bloom and Bracknell recreational facilities manager, said: “Our success is down to the hard work and support from everyone involved and I would like to thank all residents, schools, businesses, community volunteers and everyone involved with this year’s campaign.” A Silver Gilt also went to Wokingham.

Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Martin Bishop said he was delighted at the outcome because the object of the campaign was to make small villages and towns as attractive as possible.

He said: “I was very pleased to accept the Silver Gilt award on behalf of the town because it was fully deserved thanks to the work and commitment of so many people and organisations.

“I have been humbled to see so many people pulling together for the common good.” On July 23 judges spent four hours looking around the town, scrutinising schools, the railway station, churches and private gardens in London Road and Barrett Crescent. Last year’s marks of 75% increased to 80% this year, and as much as 90% in the community participation section.

Cllr Bishop said Wokingham in Bloom’s entry highlighted the work of all sections of the community.

There was praise for Rose Street gardeners, who transformed Wokingham Methodist Church and its surroundings from a ‘sizeable scrubland into a thriving garden’.

He said: “There was a great deal of digging, planting and weeding and it took all those contributions to transform the area. It is a delight for everyone who sees it.” Wokingham in Bloom would like to hear from anyone who can lend practical and financial support for the 2015 entry.

Contact amenities@wokingham-tc.gov.uk