A community in West Sussex secured recognition at a regional horticultural competition celebrating environmental achievement and civic engagement.
Haywards Heath collected gold medals across several divisions at the 2026 South and South East in Bloom Awards, claiming the overall prize in the Large Town classification.
Judging criteria for the programme centre on urban enhancement through cultivation, ecological responsibility, and local participation.
Western Road Cemetery earned gold alongside the title of Category Winner in the Large Cemetery/Crematorium section.
Muster Green received gold in the Small Park classification.
Sylvia Harris of Haywards Heath in Bloom received the Community Champion Award for her sustained efforts on community and environmental initiatives.
Councillor Sandy Ellis, Chair of Haywards Heath in Bloom, acknowledged the accomplishment, citing the high standards of horticultural skill, environmental care, and community collaboration demonstrated throughout the competition.
The chairperson noted the dedication of the group of volunteers whose work was presented to the judging panel.
Haywards Heath in Bloom operates as a voluntary committee dedicated to advancing horticultural and environmental schemes throughout the year.