STOURBRIDGE in Bloom co-ordinator David Harcourt has praised volunteers for helping the town to scoop yet another gold gong.

The town was given its seventh consecutive gold award for its efforts in the Heart of England in Bloom campaign at a ceremony in Shrewsbury on Thursday September 11.

Mr Harcourt, who has organised Stourbridge’s Bloom entry since the town first started taking part in the campaign around a decade ago, said he was delighted with the latest result which saw Stourbridge awarded its first ‘ten’ for the landscaping of the new-look town clock area.

He added: "It's a huge credit to all those that have helped support it and organise the campaign."

Stuart Mitchell, area manager for Stourbridge's Green Care team, was also pleased with the result and added: "It's another good achievement.”

The town was victorious in the small city category of the campaign following a visit in July by judge Nicola Clarke who said it had been a "real privilege" to see Stourbridge blossoming after completion of the long-awaited Tesco and Crown Centre redevelopment.

Anyone wishing to get involved with next year's Stourbridge in Bloom campaign, by weeding, litter-picking or providing sponsorship, can call Mr Harcourt on 01384 378209.