THE young people of Immingham dug deep for a best in Britain award.
The Royal Horticultural Society awarded the town The Young People's Award for 2014 for their unique First World War trench.
Overall, the town won a silver gilt in the Britain In Bloom awards last night.
Immingham In Bloom campaigners travelled to Bristol for the awards celebration to mark the 50th year of the society which organises Europe's biggest community gardening campaign.
They flew the flag for North East Lincolnshire as the only town represented from the East Midlands at the Britain In Bloom awards.
Judges singled out the lottery-funded First World War trench and the town's young people for praise.
Schoolchildren filled the sandbags which are a feature of the life-sized trench.
It was built to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
Immingham was presented with the RHS Britain In Bloom Young People's Award, given to the finalist deemed to involve young people from across the community in the best way.
An RHS judge said: "Immingham In Bloom is only four years old, but has focused, since inception, on engaging its community groups. Seven youngsters are employed and paid by the group during the school holidays, in addition to a full-time apprentice.
"The range of young people involved with Immingham In Bloom is remarkable, including the 30-plus members of Junior Anglers, the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Girls' Brigade, Sea Cadets, and the Pilgrim Swimming Club, as well as a group that has developed a garden with its young members. Above all, though, is the part-Lottery-funded First World War trench, which from initial concept to installation, has engaged fully with all the schools in Immingham."
Just 71 finalists were invited to the awards.
Immingham In Bloom chairman Stewart Swinburn said: "Being a part of this fantastic competition has meant so much to our group. "As a first time entrant, it has focused our efforts into raising the standard just that little bit more, knowing that we needed to go the extra mile.
"We have had so many volunteers and sponsors that make it hard to single out anyone. The schools have been involved, local groups and organisations, and our partnership with the Town Council has ensured that the town has never looked better. If we never get another chance, at least we can say we were Britain In Bloom finalists and that just adds the final sparkle to what has been a great year for us.'
In August, the RHS Britain In Bloom judges, led by the chairman Roger Burnett, visited Immingham and toured the maritime displays in Stallingborough Road and Pelham Road.
Judges assessed horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.
Judges Jeff Bates and Ian Beaney said: "This busy seaport in East Lincolnshire exhibited many varied facets of extensive horticulture and community engagement at all levels.
"The Bloom group, started in 2010, has worked enthusiastically to create colour impact at every turn as you travel through the town. The maritime heritage is aptly interpreted throughout with evidence of significant financial and in-kind support."
In praise of the Immingham In Bloom team, North East Lincolnshire Council portfolio holder for environment and Immingham ward councillor Dave Watson said: "They have done a fabulous job assisted by the Immingham Town Council grounds maintenance team. The partnership working between the council and Immingham In Bloom has enhanced the town and make it a nice place to be."
