ART and Design students from Wiltshire College are celebrating, after winning the coveted Mayor’s Award at this year’s annual Trowbridge in Bloom competition.

The Level 3 students, who were in the first year of their Art and Design Diploma at the time of the exhibition, were thrilled to be presented with a cup and certificates after impressing judges with their individual projects following the theme of The Natural World.

Helen Chivers, who is the Art and Design lecturer at the Trowbridge campus, said: “Earlier this year Ofsted visited the college and rated it good saying there was a real sense of pride and ambition. This project really embodied that perfectly.

“It was ambitious because it was a real challenge for the students who have only just specialised to not only achieve an outcome but one to exhibition standard and with a real deadline.

“There was also a real element of pride for the students being part of such a big community project and being able to showcase their work visually and through discussion. I am very proud of them all.”

The eight-week project was the 21 students first after specialising in either fashion, textiles, fine art, visual communication or 3D design and their final pieces were put on display in Trowbridge Town Hall in June.

This year’s Trowbridge in Bloom saw entries from local primary and secondary schools, residents and resident associations, allotment holders, churches, community groups and businesses.

Michael Keenan, who is the curriculum manager for media, visual and performing arts, said: “The awards ceremony was a fantastic community celebration. There was a great turnout by students, parents, friends and families.

“Everyone was so impressed with the standard and quality of the students work, their passion, energy and commitment to the brief. We were thrilled to be involved and a fantastic evening was enjoyed by all.”

Jennifer Polledri, who is the chairman of Trowbridge in Bloom, said: “This award is one of the most prestigious of the competition as the mayor represents Trowbridge Town Council.

“The fact that the college has also worked in partnership with an outside organisation has been absolutely tremendous and it has been a great privilege for Trowbridge in Bloom.

“Both Helen Chivers and Michael Keenan are so enthusiastic and such wonderful people to work with and I, personally, feel very privileged that we have formed, what I believe is a great partnership.

“The students' work never ceases to amaze me. Their creativity, imagination and ingenuity are to be admired and I wish every one of them great success in the future.”