SWINDON could compete with the likes of Truro and Penzance at the South West in Bloom competition next year.

Judges were so impressed with Swindon’s entries in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category in this year’s competition, which judged more than 500 community projects, that the town might have a chance of entering in the main competition category for towns in 2019.

Richard Beale, who judged all the neighbourhood projects in Swindon for the competition, told the Adver: “We did exceptionally well. I’ve had phone call after phone call from other judges saying how they used to live there 20 years ago and think it’s marvellous what’s going on. From fellow judges that’s quite something.

“These are people who are used to judging Torquay, Sidmouth, Truro and Penzance - places where there’s a massive budget for flowers, where they spend thousands on it.

“Well we didn’t spend anything in Swindon, we did it all from community effort”

He explained: “The award is about people doing it themselves, they weren’t relying massively on external help. On the whole it was the drive and vision of the people in those places pushing the projects along.”

There were 14 entries from Swindon into the competition category which rewarded community efforts for bringing more greenery and wildlife into their local area.

Those that won outstanding awards were TWIGS, the community garden in Cheney Manor used as a resource for people struggling with mental health, the Volunteer Rangers Project at Stanton Park and Coate Water Park and the Richard Jefferies Gardens.

Others included The Penhill Haven, which won two certificates - one for its community-run wild garden - and also a first place in Art in the Landscape, for a mural painted on garages.

Glynis Hales, who has volunteered with Penhill Haven for the past five years, said: “It’s just gobsmacking, really. It raises the profile for the Haven and encourages other people to do similar projects.”

“The murals that they’ve got painted on the garages there really reflected the community. I know those murals there and they’re lovely,” added Richard.

“What we really want to see is the town put in an entry. It’s not too soon at all to start thinking about doing it now for next year.

“All that’s needed is the town council and a group of individuals to organise themselves.”

South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional competitions that make up Britain in Bloom.