PRESTATYN has raised the bar once again and achieved gold in Wales in Bloom.

In the class for Large Towns, both Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay were given gold awards.

Prestatyn was pipped to the post by Colwyn Bay, who took first place. Prestatyn was ranked second.

Warner Leisure Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel won gold and took first place in the class for Hotels, Guest Houses, Public Houses and Restaurants (Frontage and Grounds).

James Davies, chairman of the Prestatyn in Bloom Committee, said: "Prestatyn has achieved its best ever score in Wales in Bloom and a gold medal in the contest for the first time.

"Our entry in both competitions was boosted by the success of entrants to the RHS It's Your Neighbourhood scheme, including Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station and Morfa Gateway Project, as well as Lyons Holiday Parks, who received numerous awards.

"The results are down to an excellent team effort - the contributions of scores of people were all recognised and truly appreciated.

"We've been striving for a gold medal for a number of years and have seen a general year by year improvement in our score, despite various challenges thrown our way," he added.

"This year's result goes to show that continued effort eventually pays off. We're really very pleased to receive it and would emphasise that it's down to the collaborative effort of so many people.

"This year, more work than ever went into the entry.

"It's a year-round commitment of ever-increasing standards and it can tend to take over your life at times."

Under the category for Caravans, Static or Touring, Camping & Holiday Home Sites (Over 100 Units), Tree Tops Caravan Park in Gwespyr took gold and second place; Lyons Oakfield Holiday Park took Silver Gilt; Lyons Robin Hood Holiday Park in Rhyl won Silver Gilt; Lyons Eryl Hall Caravan Park in St Asaph achieved silver as well as Lido Beach in Prestatyn.

Ty Cariad Dementia Care Centre in Abergele achieved Gold and second place in Health & Social Care Establishments.

In the It’s Your Neighbourhood, Rhuddlan Nature Reserve and Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station were ranked Level 5 - outstanding. The Rhuddlan Community Group and Morfa Gateway Project gained Level 4 - Thriving.

New Wales in Bloom Chair, Peter Barton-Price, said: "This year has been a steep learning curve for me but with the support of a great team in the Wales in Bloom committee and judges along with sponsorship , we have enjoyed another successful year.

"We have seen a rise in entries across classes with over 100 entries in total. There are now in excess of 40 It’s Your Neighbourhood entrants making a huge contribution to our towns and villages.

"While I was on the judging trail, on entrant told me 'when lots of people do small things, big things happen' and each and every one of you are making communities grow.

"Being part of the ‘Bloom’ family and making Wales more beautiful each year is the biggest reward I could have. I wish Ystradgynlais, Llandudno and Prestatyn good luck at the Britain in Bloom Awards next month - everything is crossed."