A clean sweep of gold awards has put Torbay on the horticultural map once again, with all three of its towns - plus one picturesque bay - taking top honours at the South West in Bloom Awards 2025.
The ceremony, held at the English Riviera Centre on Thursday, October 9, celebrated community-led planting, landscaping, and environmental initiatives as part of the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom campaign.
Torquay, Paignton, Babbacombe Bay and Brixham each secured Gold Awards in their respective categories. Brixham went one better, winning the prestigious Portman Cup alongside its gold.
Discretionary awards recognised outstanding community contributions across the Bay. These included the Inclusive Gardening Award for Turning Heads CIC, which was praised for its therapeutic gardening work, and Brixham in Bloom's win for Best Community Website.
Sandi Jackson, of Lychgate Cottages in St Marychurch, received a Special Award for Dedication to Community Gardening. Ali Marshall, head gardener at Torre Abbey, was honoured for design excellence, while Jo Sharlott of Babbacombe Bay Bloomers was applauded for coordinating volunteer-made yarn flower displays, which raised £150 for Rowcroft Hospice.
Several local initiatives in the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' category also achieved top marks, with multiple projects earning Level 5 "Outstanding" ratings.
Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, said: "These awards are testament to the dedication and passion of our local volunteers, community groups, and council teams. Their collaborative work not only enhances the beauty of our towns but also strengthens community spirit and promotes environmental stewardship.
"This makes Torbay a better place for the residents who live here and a more appealing destination for the visitors we attract, which - given so much of our economy is linked to tourism - is really important for the prosperity of our community."
He added: "Our continued success in the South West in Bloom Awards is the formal recognition for our commitment to horticultural excellence and community engagement. And with support from SWISCo and local volunteers, the area continues to flourish - quite literally year after year."
South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional competitions within the Britain in Bloom campaign - the largest horticultural initiative in Europe.