A Herefordshire gardening group has reason to celebrate- after it has walked away with a gold award at a national event.

Hereford In Bloom (HIB), which looks after many public flower beds, displays, and gardens in the county, took home a gold medal at this year's Britain in Bloom judging ceremony.

Britain in Bloom is a nationwide competition that motivates communities to make "positive changes" to their local environment, through horticulture. 

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The competition is now celebrating its 50th year of bringing groups together to celebrate the beauty of their local communities. 

Kevin Knipe, Chairman of the local group, said they are "delighted" to announce their success at the ceremony this year.

"Our thanks go to our team of volunteers who maintain the City’s flower beds, and St Michael’s Hospice; Growing Point at Credenhill; Hereford Skatepark and the Castle Green development, all of whom were vital in helping us win again.

"It always surprises us the number of various groups of volunteers in Hereford , who work throughout the year trying to help the City stay at the top of the league, as a place to live and visit. An award such as this proves the point."

The Hereford group was originally founded in 1999 to enter the city in the national Britain in Bloom competition staged by the Royal Horticultural Society.

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Now, the charity which is run by a group of volunteers committed to ensuring that Hereford, a vibrant and growing city, protects – and enhances – its natural environment.

The group relies on funding and sponsorship from local businesses and volunteers from the local community to help keep Hereford City's public areas in bloom.

In 2023, the group were recognised at the Heart of England in Bloom awards for their efforts around the county. The award was celebrated by Herefordshire-based celebrity gardener Monty Don, who said he was "so proud of all that have worked so hard and given so much" to work on the St Michael's Hospice garden. He has visited the garden several times, offering his advice to the 40 volunteers.