Corsham has scooped gold in this year’s South West in Bloom competition, thanks to its Royal British Legion themed entry.

Representatives from Corsham in Bloom discovered they had been awarded the prize at a ceremony in Newquay.

The town had won silver in 2009 and silver gilt in 2010, but this is the first time they have been given a gold in the competition.

The Corsham in Bloom chairman, town councillor Ruth Hopkinson, said: “It is there for all to see the progress we are making year after year and we are delighted. After the judges came to visit in July, we felt confident, but you really can never tell.”

Corsham took a gold in the Sargent Cup category.

Judges praised the distinctive display celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, which saw Corsham coloured red, white and blue.

Cllr Hopkinson said: “I think this year’s display is beautiful and I think everyone in the town does too. We have had so many people coming into the town hall and praising how good Corsham looks.”

As part of the entry about 100 hanging baskets were erected, a huge poppy was planted in the Centenary Garden and schools helped decorate the town.

Cllr Hopkinson said: “We really wanted that community element, as, for us, it was never about winning. We just wanted to make sure Corsham is a beautiful place to live and we are so happy with so many young people who got involved.”

She estimated that more than 100 people helped out, including volunteers, the town council, youth groups and schools.

Cllr Hopkinson said: “The judges were very impressed that we’d got so many young people involved, but I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us, as, without them, it really couldn’t have been possible.”

Corsham Town Council chairman Peter Anstey said: “We should all congratulate the Corsham in Bloom team.

“Not only have their efforts made the town a more attractive place and even better maintained, it has drawn many people together to gain the well-deserved result.”

The Corsham in Bloom group will meet before the end of the year to prepare for 2012’s competition.

A contest, called It’s Your Neighbourhood, was part of this year’s entry. The winners will be revealed at the town hall on October 6.