Colwyn Bay has been presented with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gold Award by Britain in Bloom.

The Award was handed over by TV Presenters Chris Bavin and James Alexander-Sinclair in a glittering awards ceremony in Belfast this weekend.

Ingrid Lewis, chairman of Colwyn in Bloom said: “The town has had the honour of representing Wales in the Britain in Bloom competition on numerous occasions and has always done well.

"This year the town had the immense privilege of being awarded a RHS Gold Award for the first time. To receive this award is to reach the mecca of horticultural and environmental excellence. There is no higher accolade that the town can be given. It truly is a big deal.

"It is testament to the hard work and sheer effort undertaken by the wider community, individuals, schools, local authority and the Colwyn in Bloom Committee.”

Rae Beckwith and James Cordingley (RHS Britain in Bloom Judges) said Colwyn Bay is an unique and quirky town; where else would you find a town that has imported its own beach, but has ancient woodlands and has excellent community spirit?

The Mayor of the Bay of Colwyn, Councillor Steve Williams said: “This is an incredible but well deserved honour for the town of Colwyn Bay and for all the people involved.”