Villagers in Ridgeway picked up a Silver Gilt Medal Certificate after gaining second place in the village category in East Midlands in Bloom, the highest achievement by anyone from our area.

The village was just pipped to the top spot by Rosliston in South Derbyshire.

Janet Poole, chairman of Ridgeway in Bloom, said: "We were up against a really competitive village for the first spot who have help from the council and grow their own plants, which we are not able to do.

"But, we were very, very pleased, because we've put a lot of effort in and silver gilt is exceptional really.

"We will carry on entering and are already working on projects for next year with the hope we can increase our points."

The group planted up roadside flower beds, set up an exhibition on the history of the village and also placed scarecrows in the area to scoop their award.

Last year the village also scooped silver gilt after a three-year run of firsts.

Rob Hill, corporate communications manager at Derbyshire Building Society, award sponsors, said: "We are deeply committed to supporting the communities in which we serve, particularly in the area of encouraging economic regeneration.

"These awards play an important role in revitalising parts of the region and bringing visible benefits to cities, towns and villages across the East Midlands."

Ridgeway and the other winners from our area were presented with their awards at a special ceremony in Mansfield.