Champion! Shrewsbury takes national Britain in Bloom title

And the award has been greeted as a fitting tribute to Shrewsbury's most famous horticultural son, Percy Thrower.

Hundreds of thousands of blooms were planted up and bedded down across the town ready for the critical gaze of the Royal Horticultural Society judges when they visited as part of a national tour, assessing more than 90,000 acres of public green space nationwide. More than 30,000 blooms alone went to Shrewsbury's show garden in the Dingle. A further 270,000 were dotted across the town.

Gardeners worked round the clock to ensure the towns gardens, parks, planters and baskets looked in tip top condition for judging day. Grown from seed and cuttings at the council's allotments, the displays were so eye-catching they made all who saw them realise there could only be one town of flowers.

And the hours of hard work paid off as Shrewsbury pipped 70 other towns to the post.

Jackie Brennand, chairman of Shrewsbury in Bloom, added: "To be crowned Champion of Champions is true testament to our horticultural legacy – the late, great Percy Thrower would be proud."

Town clerk Helen Ball attributed the success to the "team Shrewsbury" approach of the town council, Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police and local businesses and communities.

She said: "To be crowned Champion of Champions, especially in the 50th anniversary year of Britain in Bloom, shows how by working together we can make Shrewsbury an even better place to live, work and visit."

Norton-in-Hales picked up gold and joint category winner in the village category and Bridgnorth was awarded a silver gilt award for its efforts in the town category.

Alma Finlay-Burrows, chairman of the Norton-in-Hales Bloom, said: "Being awarded village category winner in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition is fantastic.

"I feel it gives recognition for all the wonderful work the group and villagers of Norton-in-Hales put in to achieve such great results, not just in the displays and environmental projects but also in creating an enviable community spirit to live in."

Barry Ince, Bridgnorth Town Council's outdoors and properties manager, said: "A terrific amount of work is involved, from the direct labour force, through to the council and the volunteers. It's a joint effort and a huge effort from everyone involved. We do a bit of extra work for when the judges come in but this work would continue whether we were in the competition or not."

RHS judge Jeff Bates, commenting on Bridgnorth in Bloom's efforts, said: "The commitment and enthusiasm of the team from the council was clear throughout the visit of this historic town."

Commenting on Norton-in-Hales Bloom efforts judge Ian Beaney said: "We were amazed at the sheer enthusiasm of everyone and the extent to which residents got involved throughout the year."