Weymouth struck gold in this year’s Britain in Bloom south west contest after pulling together its winning entry in just five weeks.

Dawn Rondeau, Chief Operations Officer, and Zach Williams, Operations Assistant, We Are Weymouth (BID) joined with Tara Williams, Parks and Open Spaces Manager, Weymouth Town Council, to receive the award at a ceremony in Weston-super-Mare yesterday.

There was also additional recognition for outstanding contribution, horticulture at Greenhill Gardens and best newcomer.

Weymouth decided to enter the competition in June with only a five-week turnaround, working relentlessly on its entry.

Preparation by We Are Weymouth, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Council and local volunteers included extensive planting, painting, cleaning and hanging 311 baskets throughout the town.

Dawn said: “Attaining the Gold award is an amazing honour for the town.

“I am so proud of the partnership between We Are Weymouth BID, Weymouth Town council and Dorset Council who worked tirelessly to meet tight deadlines, working closely with the business community.

“To gain recognition such as this, after such a difficult 18 months, is fantastic and we’re excited to share this outstanding news.”

Tara said: “When the BID said they wanted to enter the Britain in Bloom competition we were fully supportive and wanted to do everything we could to assist.

“In five weeks we did remarkably well to achieve this standard and to win this award is testament to the year-round dedication of the gardeners and volunteers in Greenhill Gardens; we are all very proud to have been given this award.”

The town’s success was welcomed by Weymouth Mayor Cllr Colin Huckle who described the awards as “great news” and “a fantastic team effort”.