Nottingham has scooped the top title in the Britain in Bloom competition – winning the accolade of ‘Champion of Champions’ and a Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal Award after a year-round effort involving people from across the city.

Guests at the awards ceremony at Chester Racecourse were told that ‘the very visible and impressive floral and sustainable planting displays coupled with clean streets tell the visitor that Nottingham is very up-and-coming in all its aspects.’

Judges also praised the involvement of people of all ages, communities, the universities and businesses through ‘strong financial support and an exceptional level of volunteering,’as well as Nottingham City Council policies designed to drive forward improvements to the quality of life and make the environment better for all.

Councillor Malcolm Wood, Chair of the Nottingham in Bloom Working Group, received the award on behalf of the city. He said: "To be crowned Champion of Champions is a tremendous honour. The award reflects the dedication, enthusiasm and achievement of thousands of people who play their part in making Nottingham look its best.

"Amongst those who should be proud today are the horticulturalists who come up with the breathtaking floral displays, sponsors and volunteers who support us with time and money, communities and individuals who work so hard to brighten up their own areas, and dedicated council staff who support them in their efforts. Congratulations and thanks go to every one of them."

The judges were impressed with the enthusiasm of businesses, schools and the University in getting involved with planting projects, as well as the exceptional range of plants used around the city and at the University and the horticultural expertise shown.

Other areas singled out for special praise included:

• Excellent examples of community involvement, particularly the residents of Collygate Road in the Meadows
• The colourful summer planting scheme in the Old Market Square
• Sustainable planting on roundabouts and the new planting on Maid Marian Way
• The overall effect of established gardens in Lambourne Drive and Torvill Drive in Wollaton
• Arkwright Meadows Community Garden, with an exceptional range of edible plants from across the world for local people to buy and grow
• Work with volunteers on the old canal basin at Lambourne Drive, and the eight Local Nature Reserves with active Friends groups
• Encouragement for composting, the work of the City Council to resolve recycling problems for inner city homes with little or no space for bins, and the solar-powered recycling unit at Portland Leisure Centre.
• The extended Big Spring Clean involving the community
• The issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices for littering, resulting in a clean city
• The exceptional standard of sponsorship and media coverage achieved.

The University of Nottingham also picked up the award for ‘Britain’s Best Flowerbed’ in the category of schools and colleges, with its stunning North Entrance bedding display.