BURY is reaping the rewards of its hard work in making the town bloom.

It has achieved second place in the Best Large Town category in this year's North West in Bloom competition. It was pipped for top spot by Fleetwood but pushed Lancaster into third.

This follows on from success in the National Flowerbed Competition at the RHS Show at Tatton earlier in the summer.

The judges for North West in Bloom said they were very impressed by the overall appearance of Bury, and commented on the good standard of maintenance and cleanliness. They said that the high standards were achieved by an enthusiastic and dedicated council workforce from Bury Council's cleansing, highways, parks and countryside teams together with local community support from businesses, shopkeepers and individuals.

They praised the street planters, hanging baskets and flower bed displays which enhanced the town throughout the summer months.

Coun Joan Grimshaw, Bury Council's lead member for community services (recreation and culture), said: "The result of this year's competition is a great achievement for the borough. The commitment from council staff and the support of the local community is all helping to develop real pride in our borough and ensure that Bury is an attractive town in which to live and work and to visit."