ALTRINCHAM added to its growing green reputation when it scooped a succession of awards at leading environmental events.

Groups from the town bagged nine prizes at the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood awards and the RHS North West In Bloom awards, held in Southport on successive days last week.

The success comes a week after the town won national recognition at the RHS Britain in Bloom competition, when it received a Silver Gilt award as it represented the North West.

Sarah Walmsley, chairman of Altrincham In Bloom, said: “What an amazing year his has been for Altrincham. A fantastic result at the nationals and now all these top awards regionally too."

On November 2, four Friends’ groups received awards at the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.

Then on November 3, Altrincham In Bloom, Altrincham Unlimited, the Stamford Quarter Shopping Centre, The Old Roebuck and Orange Tree pubs all received top accolades at the RHS North West In Bloom (NWIB) awards.

The town's winners were:

· NWIB trophy for the ‘Best Neighbourhood’ and ‘Outstanding’ award for second consecutive year - Friends of Denzell Gardens and The Devisdale.

· ‘Outstanding’ award for second consecutive year - Friends of John Leigh Park.

· ‘Thriving’ award for second consecutive year - Friends of King George V Pool.

· ‘Thriving’ award - St Vincent de Paul Church Garden volunteers.

· Gold award (Large Towns) for fourth consecutive year – Altrincham In Bloom

· Gold award (Town Centres) – Altrincham In Bloom in association with Altrincham Unlimited.

· Gold award for third consecutive year – Stamford Quarter Shopping Centre.

· Gold award for third consecutive year – The Old Roebuck pub.

· Silver Gilt award – The Orange Tree pub.

Sarah said of the prizes: “They are testament to the collaborative efforts of so many volunteers, Trafford Council, One Trafford, Altrincham Unlimited and the community which continues to support us all.

"Together we have made tremendous progress and if we can keep up this momentum and raise the necessary funding, Altrincham can go yet further."

Residents who would like to lend their support can either volunteer to help, join the Friends of Altrincham In Bloom or come to a community support dinner at Altrincham’s Conservative Club restaurant on November 14, details of which are on the group’s website at www.altrinchaminbloom.org.uk

Sarah added: "I would like to thank everyone involved. Awards symbolise external recognition but we all agree that words of encouragement from local people are worth much more to volunteers whose continuous commitment brings pleasure to all.”