Mansfield has been awarded a silver gilt in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.

The district was just two points off a gold and lost out to Northampton, which topped the city category.

The judges were taken on a tour of the district in July, including parks, allotments, community gardens, local nature reserves, as well as the town centre.

Mansfield BID won its category for the second time and were awarded a silver gilt award and also the judges award for improvements to the rear of the Four Seasons Centre, creating a bio-diverse retreat and wildflower garden.

Judges spoke with residents from Vale Court, volunteers from Maun Conservation group and pupils from King Edward Primary School in Mansfield.

In Mansfield Woodhouse, they visited the Little Roots Children’s Community Allotment at Longyards allotments and toured St Edmund’s Church Community Orchard, meeting fundraisers and volunteers.

Last year, Mansfield also achieved a silver gilt award in the East Midlands in Bloom cities category, winning the City category.

It was awarded a special judges’ award for improvements made to the River Maun conservation area and the environmental education and involvement of children.

Coun Andrew Tristram, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Wellbeing, said: “I would like to thank all the volunteers who do so much to make this district the green and pleasant place that it is.

“Next year we will be trying our best to get that gold standard and reclaim the winning title in the City category.”