After more than three decades without a South West in Bloom accolade, Shaldon and Ringmore have won three top awards in this year’s competition.

The village achieved an overall Gold award, meaning the judges awarded it at least 85 per cent of the possible marks for horticultural skill, environmental responsibility and community involvement.

It also won the Cox Cup for ‘best large village in the South West’ and the Vic Verrier Trophy for ‘best new entry’’.

And the Friends of Homeyards Botanical Gardens were rated Outstanding in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category, recognising community groups working on a specific location in their area.

“We’re very happy and proud,” said Jo Cumbley, chair of Shaldon Parish Council, who attended the awards ceremony in Newquay with fellow councillor Danielle Westlake.

“The judges particularly singled out Shaldon and Ringmore’s amazing community engagement as being a key reason behind its success in the competition.

“On the judging route in July the judges met the representatives of the St Nicholas’ Churchyard Group, the Friends of Homeyards Botanical Gardens, Harry Coleman and Jo Mackenzie of the Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s Zoo Food project, the allotments, the bowls club, the playpark, rowing, Regatta and Water Carnival representatives, the Bargain Box and Cancer Research Open Gardens volunteers, and many of those wonderful people who plant and maintain the lovely community displays throughout the village.”

A spokesperson for the Friends of Homeyards Botanical Gardens said: “The Friends are thrilled that the work of all our volunteers, trustees and committee has been recognised this way.

“It will help inspire us to continue working with the several other organisations helping to keep Shaldon Botanical Gardens a special place in the heart of our community.”

The ‘Britain in Bloom - South West Gold’ flag is now flying over The Green in Shaldon, and the cups and certificates are on display in a window on Marine Parade.