Dartmouth Green Partnerships was entered in the Town and City South category of South West in Bloom, and scored top marks to obtain the Gold Award. In addition, of all the gold medal winners in its category, the organisation scored the highest marks - and was thus given the Pennant Award.

Tony Moore, pennant judge for the RHS South West in Bloom, said in his report: "Dartmouth Green Partnerships is a progressive, well organised and highly motivated group dedicated to making Dartmouth an attractive and sustainable environment for both residents and visitors."

Tony visited Dartmouth in July and was shown the green spaces which the group looks after along the riverfront, as well as the community greenhouse site and elsewhere.

He said: "Dartmouth was looking lovely - as always. Lots of visitors with smiling faces - so welcome after the last year or so."

In his feedback on horticulture Tony said: "There’s a real emphasis on sustainability and the use of plants which suit the local climate and provide a spectacle; the seafront containers using planting saved from year to year look lovely."

He applauded Dartmouth Green Partnerships’ efforts to minimise grass cutting and the creation of meadows where possible, and how they had demonstrated the effect through ’no mow May’.

He welcomed their inclusion of more exotic planting which had made an impact in the Community Garden and at the Anchor Bed on College Way.

On environmental approaches, he said: "The group works closely with Devon and South Hams Councils", noting that "although enhanced street cleaning would improve the town, this is outside the remit of this group. Seafront railings have been repainted and look smart".

He said traders "are clearly proud of the town, with many premises looking freshly painted. The infrastructure everywhere looks well maintained."

The judge added that Dartmouth Green Partnerships’ proposed community greenhouse "will certainly make a stunning feature on the riverfront and further expand the capabilities of this group".

He praised the "high level of community involvement, with enthusiastic support from local residents, many of whom sponsor floral containers". He noted that "the group has worked hard during lockdown, making the town attractive when local residents appreciated their efforts."

Tony also praised the group’s "extensive plans for future developments in Dartmouth", including the building of a community greenhouse, increasing use of social media and development of an interactive website capable of making donations.

He added: "With partner organisations, including Sustainable Dartmouth, promoting climate resilience and electric vehicle charging points, the future for Dartmouth looks great."