IT was gold all the way as Wisbech pulled off an extraordinary victory to win Anglia in Bloom. Not only did the town repeat its 2008 gold triumph for best large town but it was crowned the best in East Anglia. The remarkable success story of bloomin Wisb

IT was gold all the way as Wisbech pulled off an extraordinary victory to win Anglia in Bloom.

Not only did the town repeat its 2008 gold triumph for best large town but it was crowned the best in East Anglia.

The remarkable success story of bloomin' Wisbech was celebrated in Gorleston as the annual award winners were announced.

Penny Stocks, chairman of Wisbech in Bloom, said: "We all yelled out. I thought I would blub. It was very emotional."

There was success, too. for Parson Drove, Fenland District Council's Street Pride team, and St Peter's Church gardens.

Chatteris celebrated with a gold award and among other Fenland successes was March, which crept in with a bronze award.

Former Mayoress Barbara Oliver said: "What great news. They do seem to have put extra effort into it this year and the flowers are hard to miss, they do look very good. Around St Peter's Church is fantastic."

Jill Merry from Brewers shop said: "I think it is great and it has really improved the look of the town.

"The flowers do look very pretty and people have worked really hard to keep them maintained and watered. All credit to them."

Tom Brewer said: "This is what we need and well done to everyone. People are ready to knock Wisbech but there is nothing wrong with it.

"People are too quick to criticise and this is great for the town."

Sophie Cunningham of Somerfield Close, Wisbech with Freya aged seven months, said: "The town certainly looks better for all the flowers and I think it is a really good thing, especially if we have won gold. It makes everywhere look nice."

"Moira Johnson of Friday Bridge said: "I think it looks really nice and I like all the flowers.

"It certainly makes the town more attractive."

Joyce Playford and John Walker visiting from Heacham were visiting Wisbech for the days when news broke of the town's success.

Joyce said "I think it is just so lovely. It makes a lot of difference and well done to them all.

"The church gardens are lovely - it beats Heacham."

Wisbech Town Councillor Neville Frusher said: "It makes a big difference and certainly draws people into the town.

"People want to come and have a look when we win things like this."

WISBECH is officially the floral capital in East Anglia!

Volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last five years and they struggled to hold back tears of joy as it was named the best in East Anglia for floral genius and community spirit.

Wisbech retained the Best Large Town award (for 12,001-35,000 residents) it won last year, again brushing aside Bury St Edmunds, Ely, King's Lynn and Newmarket.

But it didn't end there - and Wisbech staved off competition from towns and villages across East Anglia to win the top gong at Wednesday's ceremony in Gorleston.

Penny Stocks, chairman of Wisbech In Bloom, said: "We all yelled out when the award was announced.

" I thought I would blub as it was very emotional.

"We are very hands on in Wisbech and the town has a wonderful community spirit. I would like more people in Wisbech to open their eyes and take a fresh look and see how far the town has come on in such a short time."

Bob Ollier, Fenland District Council's parks and open spaces manager and chairman of Anglia in Bloom, said: "So many groups and individuals are involved, from Fenland District Council and the town council to scores of volunteers, sponsors and businesses.

"They should all be incredibly proud."

Only five years ago Wisbech won bronze, but the efforts of dozens of volunteers have seen it become the toast of East Anglia.

Attention now turns to the Britain in Bloom finals next Wednesday, in which Wisbech is representing the Anglia Region as its top large town.

There was success also for St Peter's Church Gardens in Wisbech, which was nominated in the Best Local Authority Flower Display award.

And Parson Drove won bronze in the large village section (for 1,001-2,500 residents) in its first venture into the competition.

Peter Walls, of Wisbech in Bloom, said: "I am delighted we achieved bronze, after deciding only a few weeks before to enter. It is down to the hard work of Street Pride volunteers."

The judges came to town earlier this year to see the wonderful displays on offer.