Exeter's Silver Gilt Award at the National RHS Britain in Bloom Finals

Judges said that the university grounds were “just spectacular”, and they intend to visit again to enjoy a private tour of the trees and shrubs. The award means a special flag will be flown in the city.

Exeter's Britain in Bloom team is a strong partnership between the city council staff, volunteers and the University of Exeter, and judges praised the work of the city’s community groups.

This was the first time for 25 years that Exeter has been in the National Finals - and this year Exeter represented the whole of the South West in the “Small City” category.

Each of the three core elements of Exeter's award were scored separately. The city was given a silver for Horticultural Achievement and Environmental Responsibility, and gold for Community Participation. The University of Exeter Community Garden won an “Outstanding” assessment in the RHS SW in Bloom “It’s your Neighbourhood” Award.

There was particular praise for the hanging baskets in the High Street and Gandy Street, funded by The Exeter Business Improvement District (BID) and for the BID's team support for cleansing services in the city centre. Princesshay's Roof Garden and Bee Hives were also singled out for special praise.

University of Exeter Director of Grounds, Iain Park, said: “We are very proud to have contributed to Exeter’s Britain in Bloom success. To receive this kind of recognition is wonderful news and reflects the hard work that our dedicated staff put in to maintaining the University grounds to the highest standard. The city has so many wonderful areas for both the local community and visitors to the city to enjoy.”

Both the University of Exeter’s Streatham and St Luke’s campuses have also been bestowed with Green Flag awards this year, which signifies to the city and its visitors that the University’s grounds are kept to the upmost quality and are wonderfully maintained for everyone to enjoy.

Exeter in Bloom's community contribution was supported by a grant of £2,000 from The Exeter Board Fund to engage with the 26 individual “It's Your Neighbourhood” grass-roots community entries who among them achieved ten 'Outstanding' awards.

Paul Bull, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “It's gratifying to note that the Exeter in Bloom entry was classified gold for community engagement.

“Time and time again, I see the work of local residents transforming their neighbourhoods and making a difference in their communities. Many local projects have been taking place around the year by local volunteers, and I've managed to join some of these in recent months. The award of the Silver Gilt for Exeter is recognition of all this tremendous effort.”

Exeter in Bloom is led by Christine Fraser and Paul Collier. Christine Fraser, who is retiring from this post, said: “It has been a pleasure and a real privilege to be linked to over 300 volunteers across the city contributing so much to improving areas where we all live and work. We wish Stella Cahill, who will be taking over this role, every success in the future.”