The horticultural achievements of cities, towns and villages across our region were recognised at the Anglia in Bloom awards.

Eastern Daily Press: Anglia in Bloom: Brandon won best new entry. Picture: SONYA DUNCANAnglia in Bloom: Brandon won best new entry. Picture: SONYA DUNCAN (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

There was success across Norfolk and Suffolk, but it was Wishbech which was named the best overall entry and winner of the Anglia in Bloom trophy.

The Wishbech in Bloom team were also named the winner of and were awarded a gold standard in the Large Town category, were named the Best Business Improvement District (BID) and Wishbech Park also received a gold standard in Parks (over 10 acres).

Hunstanton also shone during the ceremony, winning the Coastal category and the Golden Lion was given the silver gilt in the Best Hotel category, at the awards ceremony held in Bury St Edmunds on September 12.

Gunton Hall Coastal Hotel, in Lowestoft, was named as the Best Hotel and was also recognised with a gold standard.

Eastern Daily Press: Mick Smith working on his allotment in Hunstanton during the Anglia in Bloom judges visit in July. Picture: Ian BurtMick Smith working on his allotment in Hunstanton during the Anglia in Bloom judges visit in July. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Both Wisbech and Hunstanton will attend the Britain in Bloom finals, Wisbech for BID category and Hunstanton for Coastal, along with Norwich, for City, held in Belfast on October 19.

Other towns and villages in our area were also recognised, including Brandon, who were awarded with the Best New Entry, and also won asilver gilt in the Town category (6,001 to 12,000 residents).

The town was entered by horticultural group Brandon in Bloom for the first time this year.

During the visit by the Anglia in Bloom judges in July, they were taken to 11 areas around the town which are maintained by the volunteer group which boasts a 30 strong team of enthusiastic helpers.

Eastern Daily Press: Mick Smith working on his allotment in Hunstanton during the Anglia in Bloom judges visit in July. Picture: Ian BurtMick Smith working on his allotment in Hunstanton during the Anglia in Bloom judges visit in July. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Rachel Sobiechowski, the group's horticultural advisor and secretary, said: 'To receive the best new entry award exceeded our expectations.

'My legs were like jelly when we had to go up on the stage. I was a bit shell shocked.

'We have already been discussing plans for next year. To be entered into three out of 12 specialist categories on our first attempt and to get best new comer has been overwhelming.'

South Wootton, was named as most consistently improved, over the last three years.

The Adam and Eve pub in Norwich was the winner of Best Public House and King's Lynn was named best City, with Norwich being awarded gold.