SALISBURY has been awarded three Silver Gilt awards at the recent South & South East in Bloom ceremony.

It was the first time the city has entered the Small City category. Queen Elizabeth Gardens was entered into the Park of the Year category and the Crematorium Grounds into the Cemetery of the Year category. The Small City award recognises the look and feel of the entire city.

Success in this category reflects the efforts of lots of people and organisations working together, including groups of volunteers and enthusiastic individuals.

A spokesman for the city council said: “This award is testament to partnership working. Salisbury City Council has had the pleasure this year of working closely with the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England amongst others.”

Queen Elizabeth Gardens underwent a major refurbishment in 2013 and the crematorium grounds have recently been replanted.