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Organisers have thanked volunteers after Caerphilly town clinched a first-place prize at the Wales in Bloom Awards earlier this month.

Funded by Caerphilly Town Council, Caerphilly in Bloom saw the town centre decorated with plant troughs and hanging baskets during the summer months.

Caerphilly town came first in the city and town centre category, beating Penarth to win the award for the second time in a row.

The Wales in Bloom awards ceremony also saw the Morgan Jones Park Community Allotments win gold in the small allotments category.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Thomas, secretary of the Morgan Jones Community Allotments, received the Norman Stewart Memorial Prize. The award is given each year to an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to the Wales in Bloom competition.

Councillor James Fussell, who co-ordinates the entry for Caerphilly each year, thanked volunteers for their efforts.

He said: “It’s important to say thank you to all for the hard work and dedication that community groups and businesses have all shown for this event in their own capacit,y as well as being part of the overall Caerphilly in Bloom. 

“Simon Beacham and myself attended the awards in Beaumaris and as agreed we received all the certificates on behalf of local groups, and must have both walked a few miles as there were so many presented.”

Organisers and volunteers met up at the Twyn Community Centre in Caerphilly on Saturday, September 18 to celebrate their successes and for their awards to be given out.

Castle View Community Group, which was ranked as ‘thriving’ in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category, also thanked volunteers for their efforts.

The group said: “Thank you to every person, big and small, who encouraged and contributed to the efforts this year.

“With grateful thanks to our volunteers Vicky, Andrea and Peter – whose vision, physical efforts and time resulted in the stunning flower displays we all enjoyed this year.

“In addition to the wildflowers, the group enhanced social wellbeing and biodiversity by adding seating and a butterfly garden to the greenspace.

“Many thanks to the whole community for raising money for the benches and the generosity of the families who donated benches in memory of loved ones for all to enjoy. “

Which prizes were won?

Caerphilly town – first place in the city and town centre category

Friends of Morgan Jones Park Community Allotments – won gold in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category, achieving a ‘Level 5 Outstanding’ ranking.

Elizabeth Thomas – Norman Stewart Memorial Award

Castle View Community Group – ranked as ‘Level 4 Thriving’ in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category.

St Martin’s Gardening Group – ranked as ‘Level 4 Thriving’ in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category.

Caerphilly Miners’ Centre, Ty Siriol, Castle Court, and Cadw were all mentioned in the judge’s report, while Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Parks Department received praise for its sustainable flower beds on Crescent Road.”