AN award-winning town gardening project that won an RHS gold medal has received certificates of recognition for its work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Colwyn in Bloom has a track record of success in winning the best large town category at the RHS Wales in Bloom competition, having done so for seventeen of the last eighteen years.

It was topped with a prestigious gold medal at the RHS Britain in Bloom in 2018.

However this year the Colwyn Bay group, which also covers Rhos-on-Sea, Old Colwyn and the Promenade, could not participate in the horticultural annual events as coronavirus restrictions prevented judges from visiting towns across the country.

Instead it received certificates of recognition from the Wales and Britain judges for its efforts to continue to maintain green spaces since the coronavirus lockdown, as well as plant new additions such as hanging baskets and troughs along railings.

Ingrid Lewis, chair of Colwyn in Bloom, said: “More than ever, it is important to appreciate and enjoy our natural surroundings and green environment.

"It is the volunteers that are keeping it going as the environment grows and we need to make sure it does so properly.

“It is wonderful to be recognised once more by Wales in Bloom and the Royal Horticultural Society and to be awarded Certificates in this most difficult of years.

"I am proud that Colwyn in Bloom continues to do its utmost to nurture our environment for the befit of our wider community, business community and for our future visitors to the town."

While the group has a talented team of volunteers it is also blessed with the Bay beach and ancient woodlands, which have been popular among judges over the years.