GREEN-fingered volunteers have been left 'completely stunned' after Denbigh was awarded a prestigious Wales in Bloom prize for a second year running.

Denbigh In Bloom was all set to take place in both the ‘Wales in Bloom’ and ‘Britain in Bloom’ competitions in 2020 - but the Coronavirus pandemic left both suspended.

However, the group of 30 volunteers, did have their chance to bounce back in style earlier this year - re-entering Wales In Bloom for July.

The group set up more than 70 planters around the town’s High Street area to keep it looking as colourful as possible.

Denbigh in Bloom itself was established in 2016 with the aim to improve the town because volunteers felt “disheartened” that areas were not being looked after.

And, after three years of hard work, in 2019, Denbigh was voted 'Best Town in Wales' by Wales in Bloom judges.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Denbigh In Bloom volunteers with the 2019 prize.

Last Friday (September 10), it was announced that they had won that category for a second time.

Denbigh entered the prestigious awards, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, with judges visiting over the summer.

Vice chair of Denbigh in Bloom, Helena Cawthray said: "All the volunteers are truly shocked to have won best town in Wales again, after we scooped the award in 2019.

"After all the competitions were cancelled in 2020, due to COVID-19, we weren’t really expecting to get the same result again.

"Everyone has been so complimentary about the displays this year and so to come away with a gold and best town is just the best feeling and reward for all that hard work."

Lyndsey Tasker, one of the group's founding members, added: "I can safely say, the whole group was completely stunned to win Gold and Best Town in Wales once again this year.

"We entered Wales in Bloom for the first time in 2019 and astonishingly won Gold and Best Town in Wales.

"As a result of a successful entry, we were asked to represent Wales in Britain in Bloom the following year.

"We had great plans for 2020, however due to Covid, both of the competitions were cancelled. So this year it was even more important to us to do something great and give our community fantastic displays after what had been an awful year.

"Additionally, our entry for Its Your Neighbourhood 2021 - Lower Park - was awarded Level 4 Thriving. An incredible achievement given it’s still so early in the project and clearly illustrates the fantastic work volunteers do.

"There are only 5 levels in It’s Your Neighbourhood, so get to get a 4 on our first entry for the Park is wonderful.

"We now begin planning our Autumn displays which will be planted up in October.

"Then, it’s onto planning summer displays, working on our project areas and not forgetting our Wales in Bloom entry for 2022. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us this year.

"We would especially like to thank everyone who has sponsored planters, taken part in our Pots for Shops scheme, made financial donations and volunteered their time in one way or another. We couldn’t have done it without any of you."