Mansfield has topped the best city category in the East Midlands in Bloom awards for the third time.

The district also received a high-scoring silver gilt medal and a special judges’ award for improvements made to the River Maun conservation area and the environmental education and involvement of children.

The judges praised a tour, organised by Mansfield District Council’s Parks team, which they said was well balanced and demonstrated the landscape and character of the town with its open spaces, allotments, residential homes, schools and town centre.

In particular, they were impressed by the work taking place at Wynndale Primary School.

They also congratulated the council for its Clean For The Queen campaign and its international clean-up day, which they said were successful community projects that enhanced the area.

Other Mansfield groups which featured in the awards included Mansfield BID, which gained a judges’ award for strong partnership working with the council, and Asquith Primary School, which received a silver gilt in the Best School Garden category.

Appin Green Preservation Society, Grange Farm, received a Level 4 award in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category.

Portfolio holder for the environment at Mansfield District Council, Coun Andrew Tristram, said: “I congratulate everyone who worked so hard to achieve these awards, which help to bring our communities together.

“This is down to the great teamwork that goes on between our Neighbourhood Services and our community groups, schools and businesses. A big thank-you to you all.”

Pictured are Coun Andrew Tristram and Tim Downes from Mansfield District Council receiving the award from Mark Darley-Usmar, centre.