Truro was awarded a gold medal in the Champion of Champion Large Towns category of this year’s South West in Bloom competition, held in Truro Cathedral last week.  

More than 300 representatives from across the region attended the ceremony, organised by Truro City Council and Truro in Bloom in partnership with South West in Bloom, in the presence of Truro mayor Carol Swain and Truro MP Cherilyn Mackrory with support from town crier Lionel Knight.  

As well as marking floral displays, the South West in Bloom judges assessed what entrants were doing to protect and improve the environment.  

Environmental initiatives in Truro include planting pollinator beds in key areas of the city, creating wildlife meadows, and providing log piles, insect hotels and bird and bat boxes to increase habitats for bees and other wildlife at the same time as creating beautiful environments for people.  

Presenting the award to representatives of the Truro group, Cllr Swain said she was incredibly proud of everyone who had been involved in the city’s entry. 

Tribute was paid to members of the Truro in Bloom group, Truro City Council’s parks and gardens department, partners including Biffa, Truro Business Improvement District (BID), Friends of Daubuz Moor and other community groups, and the many volunteers who worked hard to ensure the city looked its best, including litter picking and cleaning local areas.  

There was also success for young artists with six-year-old Evie from Bosvigo School winning first prize in the six and under category in the children’s picture competition. Truro has also been nominated for the national Britain in Bloom awards, with the results due to be announced later this month.  

Other highlights included Mitchell winning first place in the Pennant (Village Cornwall) category; a gold medal for Hayle in Bloom in the Champion of Champions Small Towns and Villages category; Newquay being awarded a gold medal in the St Bridget Cup, and Hendra Holiday Park winning the award for the Best Non-Municipal Horticultural Display.