Farnham has won five Gold awards at this year’s South & South East in Bloom ceremony, with its town centre also named best in category.

The awards recognised the town’s floral displays, green spaces and community involvement, despite a year of extreme heat and town centre roadworks.

Farnham Town Council’s Farnham in Bloom campaign received Gold and Best in Category for its Town/City Centre entry.

West Street Cemetery won Gold in the Large Cemetery category, while Badshot Lea and Hale cemeteries received Gold in the Small Cemetery category.

Farnham railway station also earned Gold for efforts to create an attractive and welcoming gateway to the town.

Cllr Mat Brown, the council’s lead member for environment, described the results as an “incredible achievement”.

He praised the volunteers, community groups, businesses, sponsors and partners who had helped make Farnham “a greener, more beautiful and welcoming place”.

Community groups also received recognition through the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.

Hale Community Centre and Bourne Conservation Group achieved Level 4: Thriving. Badshot Lea Bloomers, Space2Grow and Friends of the Garden of Reflection at West Street Cemetery received the highest rating, Level 5: Outstanding.

Former town clerk Iain Lynch, who recently stepped down after 15 years, received the Chairman’s Award for his long-standing support of Farnham in Bloom.

The award recognised his encouragement of new ideas, support for investment in green spaces and recognition of the contribution made by residents, volunteers, schools, community groups and businesses.

Mr Lynch said: “This was an unexpected and very generous award from South and South East in Bloom and a somewhat humbling experience to receive it.

“For me the accolade is underpinned by consistent, enthusiastic and at times inspirational hard work undertaken by community groups, schools and the Outside Workforce team at Farnham Town Council.

“The unwavering support of FTC councillors over many years has enabled high standards to be maintained for the benefit of visitors, businesses and residents and ensure Farnham remains an attractive town despite all the changes that have happened.”

The awards celebrate communities improving their local environment through horticulture, sustainability and community participation.