Mansfield has won the city category of the prestigious East Midlands in Bloom Awards.

The district won a silver gilt medal with a score of 166 points – four points higher than last year’s score and four points off a gold award.

It is the second time the district has topped the city category.

Mansfield district also won a judges’ award for the development and renovation of the town centre in partnership with Mansfield BID, while Asquith Primary School and Wynndale Primary School both won a gold medal in the Best School Garden category.

Mansfield BID won silver gilt in the Business Improvement District category and a judges’ award for businesses being involved in the council’s International Clean-Up Mansfield Day initiative.

Residents living at 2 Meadow Bank, Mansfield Woodhouse, won a gold medal for Best Residential Garden and Il Rosso restaurant and bar on Nottingham Road, Mansfield, won a silver gilt medal in the Best Pub/Hotel Garden or Display category.

Judges from the East Midlands in Bloom committee were given a guided tour of the district’s parks, open spaces, town centre and community projects during a visit in July.

Criteria for judging included horticultural achievement, environmental responsibilities and community participation. The judges also assessed nature conservation, sustainability, permanent planting, and cleanliness of the district.

The judges said they were particularly impressed by the efforts of residents at Appin Road Green.

Coun Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for the environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “I am very pleased that Mansfield has won the city category again. The score improves year on year and we are getting closer to getting that sought-after gold medal.

“The success is down to the joint effort made by the council and the local community. My thanks go to our fantastic Neighbourhood Services teams, who work tirelessly throughout the year with friends’ groups, local businesses, schools and community groups to ensure the district is always in top condition.”