WINNERS of two contests in Malmesbury have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

Successful entrants to the Malmesbury in Bloom Gardening Competition and the Malmesbury in Bloom Children's Multi-Media Art Competition gathered together for an awards ceremony at Malmesbury Town Hall on Friday, September 27.

Photos taken by Richard Harris - for all 55 photos, see our picture gallery.

Organised by Malmesbury Town Council, the two contests run hand in hand and showcase the best of Malmesbury’s green-fingered residents and business-owners, as well as the artistic talents of children in the area.

Malmesbury mayor Phil Exton presented certificates and goody bags to the children and later in the evening gave out certificates and cups to the successful gardeners.

He was assisted by Councillors Catherine Doody and Kim Power, who helped organise the competitions.

The garden entries were judged by garden designer Kevin Franklin, while the children’s artwork was judged by former teachers Rose Scanlon and Suzanne Tennant.

Commenting on the children’s artwork, Councillor Exton said: “The standard was exceptionally high, and the judges had great difficulty in deciding on the winners.

“We had 200 entries, and it was wonderful to see how much artistic talent there is in the town.”

There were a number of categories for the Malmesbury in Bloom competition, including best vegetable patch, commercial premises and large garden.

The overall winner was Roy Wain.

Special thanks went to the team who carry out conservation work at Malmesbury Cemetery - Ann Skinner, Melissa Robb, and Sue Alex - and to Shaun Bleaken and Mark Williams, who look after Malmesbury’s hanging baskets and floral displays.

Cllr Exton said: “It was lovely to see everyone here and to present these awards.

“Thank you to everyone who works so hard to make our town such a beautiful place to live in, to work in and to visit.”

For full details of the competitions’ winners, visit malmesbury.gov.uk