Golden celebrations for region in Heart of England in Bloom contest

Months of hard work has paid off for organisers in towns, cities and villages throughout the Black Country and Staffordshire as judges singled them out for praise from thousands of entries.

High streets, parks and beauty spots were spruced up ready for tours by judges throughout the summer.

Wolverhampton City Council won gold in the large city category, and among the other top prizes awarded was Claverley, which received a gold award in the village category.

Among the locations the judges visited in Wolverhampton were the city's art gallery, the Prince Albert pub, West Park, Northycote Farm, St Michael's Primary School, Danescourt Cemetery and Sunrise Residential Home.

Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet member for city services, Councillor John Reynolds, said: "We are delighted to have retained the gold award for the city, and I would like to say a massive thank you to all the residents, schools, community groups and businesses that supported our campaign. I'd also like to thank the staff from Public Realm Services who worked so hard to make our city look so good.

"We arranged a calendar of events demonstrating that Wolverhampton in Bloom really is a year-round campaign that brings together the whole community. I hope our continuing success will inspire more people to become involved in future campaigns. It is this kind of enthusiasm that creates pride in our city, and long may it continue."

Bilston got gold in the urban community section, along with Aldridge and Bloxwich, while Stourbridge also scooped gold in the small city category.

Bilston's award came despite a vandal attack at the Grapes Pool, where 20 trees were uprooted and snapped.

The semi-mature trees, which were planted as part of the £280,000 restoration of the pool and stood around 5m tall, were attacked earlier this month.

During their visit judges went to Bushfield Court, Bilston Craft Gallery and the town centre and also saw residents' showcase gardens.

Town centre manager Cheryl Welsh said: "That we achieved a gold award in only our fourth year of entering is testament to all the hard work and commitment of the town centre, schools and local community.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that in such a short time we've achieved gold, and our plans for our fifth campaign are underway."

Judges in Aldridge had been given a guided tour by organisers and councillors and deputy council leader Adrian Andrew today said he was pleased they had been impressed.

He said: "It is great to see all the hard work put in by officers and volunteers to make our district centres places our residents can be very proud of and people want to visit time and time again.

Mary Stevens Park in Norton, Stourbridge and Stevens Park in Wollescote were given the grounds maintenance awards.

Dudley councillor Patrick Harley said: "This is fantastic news.

"It shows the hard work that has been invested in the campaign. We encouraged volunteers to put the effort in and they have done briliantly.

It will give a big boost to the town and Dudley borough as a whole. We have some great attractions for people to come and see but no-one would want to visit if the place was dull and gloomy."

Brownhills, Darlaston and Willenhall won silver in the urban community category, while Bridgnorth scooped gold and won the town category. It has also been nominated in the town category in the Britain in Bloom UK Finals in 2014.

Burntwood was honoured with a silver-gilt award in the large town section, while Stone scooped gold. Lichfield got the silver-gilt gong for small cities, while Great Haywood was handed silver in the large village competition.

Burntwood Town Council deputy leader Rod Campbell said: "This is only the second year we have entered so it is a wonderful result. It is a real coup for Burntwood."

Watling Street Primary School in Brownhills, was also given an award for its involvement in the Brownhills bid.