Halesowen finalist for first time in Britain in Bloom competition

Volunteers for Halesowen in Bloom said they were 'overjoyed' to hear they had been picked for the final of not one, but two accolades, which judges the town as having the finest quality flowers, most hard-working volunteers, and a diverse range of greenery.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed the finalists for its 54th year this week, with Halesowen In Bloom reaching the national final for the first time. It is one of five groups making up the ‘Urban Community’ category.

The group has also been announced as a finalist for the Heart of England - Midlands award in which they won gold for the third year running.

Dudley councillor Hilary Bills, a keen member of the group, said everyone was waiting in anticipation for the next step.

She said: "We were so excited to find out we had won gold again - that's three times in a row.

"But when we found out we won the category of Urban Community as well it took our breath away. It's just wonderful for Halesowen, it's such a big thing."

Halesowen in Bloom will now go on to be judged in July for the Heart of England award followed by the Urban Community award in August, in which the town will go up against Stanwix in Cumbria, Wolverton and Greenleys in Thames & Chilterns, Evington in the East Midlands, and Bankside in London.

Councillor Bills praised the tireless efforts of the town and countless volunteers.

She said: "We have the The Women's Institute, Friends of Gardens, we have volunteers who water flower beds. We have one big donator, Sandvik Holdings Ltd, who are big in Halesowen, who always give us money for plants. And people can buy troughs in the centre too for £40, with their name on it. One company has nine troughs.

"It's all absolutely wonderful."

Visit facebook.com/people/Halesowen-Bloom for more.