Months of planting, pruning, watering and generally keeping West Norfolk looking its best have paid off for the council teams, volunteers and community groups who look after some of our most familiar public spaces.

And Hunstanton had particular reason to celebrate.

The seaside town was awarded Gold in the main Anglia in Bloom competition and also picked up the Best Coastal award.

It's another impressive result for a town where the gardens, seafront and floral displays form such an important part of the welcome for residents and visitors alike.

Names have been requested.

But the honours didn't stop at Hunstanton.

Gold for two of Lynn's favourite green spaces

In King's Lynn, two very familiar places were recognised.

The Walks received Gold in the virtual category, as did Tower Gardens.

Photographed left to right:

Chris Durham, Operations Manager Public Open Space, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

Darren Stanbridge, Nursery Manager Public Open Space, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

David Carter-Hall, The Walks Team Leader Public Open Space, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

Michael Rowbotham, Mintlyn Crematorium Public Open Space Operative, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

Paul Robinson, Operations Assistant Public Open Space, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

Both are well-used green spaces in the heart of the town, whether it's families heading through The Walks, youngsters making use of the play areas or people simply finding somewhere to sit for a few minutes away from the traffic.

There was recognition too for Mintlyn Crematorium, which received Silver Gilt and was named category winner in the virtual Crematorium category.

It is perhaps a very different type of green space, but the appearance and peaceful nature of the grounds can matter enormously to families visiting at particularly difficult moments in their lives.

Councillor Josie Ratcliffe, Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy and Car Parking, said: “It’s particularly pleasing to see Mintlyn Crematorium recognised once again with a Silver Gilt award and category win.

“The crematorium team work exceptionally hard to maintain the grounds to a very high standard while providing an important service for families, and this award is well-deserved recognition of their continued efforts.”

More reasons for Hunstanton to celebrate

Hunstanton's success extended beyond its Gold and Best Coastal awards.

Boston Gardens won the award for Best Gardening for Wildlife and Biodiversity, recognising the work being done to make our public spaces attractive not just for people, but for the wildlife sharing them with us.

Hunstanton High Street and Town Centre was also named Best Industrial/Commercial Area.

Two of the town's community projects received nominations too.

The Hunstanton Tiles Project was nominated for Best Community Project, while the Winnie the Pooh displays which have appeared around the town received a nomination in the special category celebrating 100 years of the much-loved bear.

Which means somewhere in Hunstanton, Pooh Bear can presumably celebrate with a well-earned pot of honey.

A team effort throughout the year

While colourful flower beds tend to attract the attention, keeping West Norfolk's parks, gardens and public spaces looking good is very much a year-round job.

Councillor Sandra Squire, Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal, said the results reflected the work of both council teams and volunteers.

“These awards are a fantastic achievement for West Norfolk and a wonderful reflection of the dedication, skill and pride shown by our public open space teams and the many volunteers who support them throughout the year,” she said.

“Whether it’s our parks and gardens, town centres, biodiversity initiatives or coastal spaces, these awards recognise the hard work that goes on day in, day out to create attractive, welcoming and sustainable places for residents and visitors.

“Everyone involved should feel incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.”

The awards were announced at the Anglia in Bloom ceremony at Burgess Hall in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday, September 24.

And while awards and certificates are lovely things to bring home, perhaps the nicest part of this particular success is that the rest of us get to enjoy the results every day.

After all, you don't need to be an Anglia in Bloom judge to appreciate a sunny walk through The Walks, Tower Gardens or the gardens of Hunstanton.

Although apparently, if you are an Anglia in Bloom judge, you'll be rather impressed too.