TWO Cumbrian towns have been celebrating after doing the county proud at the Britain in Bloom awards.

Grange-over-Sands and Kirkby Stephen both won silver awards at the glittering ceremony, hosted by BBC TV’s Gardeners’ World presenter Rachel De Thame at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, Fife.

It was a double win for Grange, with the Graythwaite Manor Hotel also scooping a prize as overall winner in the comm-ercial section.

Grange won silver in the coastal town section and committee members Ian and Pauline Wilson and Judi Bulley were there to collect the awards. They praised the enthusiasm and commitment of the town’s volunteers.

“We are absolutely amazed,” said Mrs Wilson. “This is such a big step up for the town.

"We were invited to take part because we did well in Cumbria in Bloom (winning two golds for best small town and best town and urban community).

"To get a silver for our first time in the competition was fantastic.

“It is down to all the volunteers and the work of Mike Hornaugh and Jan Tomlinson who were the lynchpins of our campaign and inspired others to take part.”

Kirkby Stephen, meanwhile, was awarded silver in the large village category In a joint statement, the town’s campaign co-ordinators said: ‘It has been an honour to represent Cumbria in the Britain in Bloom competition.

"We have enjoyed all the planning and effort that has gone to make up our entry this year, and it is pleasing to have the opportunity to say how well the community of Kirkby Stephen has pulled together to achieve this result.

“The competition element has created an opportunity to discover diverse projects in the community, which all reflect the spirit of Britain in Bloom.”

“Kirkby Stephen residents and businesses have discovered how beneficial it has been to work together for the good of the whole town and our tourist industry.

"At the same time it has been gratifying to have been rewarded for our individuality.”

The judging panel toured the UK in August visiting finalists.