ELEVEN community groups have been awarded for their contribution towards 'cleaning up and greening up' Tavistock.

The Royal Horticultural Society's 'It's Your Neighbourhood' campaign was part of the wider Britain in Bloom initiative, providing an opportunity for smaller community groups to get involved.

It's Your Neighbourhood is a unique scheme for volunteer-led community gardening projects and groups which are focused on cleaning up their local area. Awards were presented to Tavistock Town Council for its Plymouth Road Cemetery under the award 'establishing'; Tidy Tavi, Tavistock College, Tavistock Primary School, St Eustachius' Church, Transition Tavistock for the Rose Walk project, and Tavistock Museum all received 'thriving'; Mount Kelly and Mount Kelly Prep for 'developing'; Whitchurch Primary and Mary Tavy and Brentor School both received the high level award of 'outstanding'.

Tavistock mayor Cllr Harry Smith said: 'A big thank you and well done to all that entered the It's Your Neighbourhood awards — it goes to show that Tavistock has the best volunteers and schools in the South West. The judges commented on the variety in ages of volunteers in Tavistock and the great community spirit.

'There is no doubt this helped the town achieve Silver Gilt scoring very high marks indeed in the community section. They also commented on the dedication of the teachers involved and their enthusiasm for gardening and passing those skills on to the children. So here's to next year and growing for gold.'

Tavistock College principle Helen Salmon said: 'We were delighted to win this award. We are keen to encourage our students to be good neighbours and to respect their local community.

'It is wonderful to see flower beds and vegetable gardens being introduced to the college — this gives students a fuller understanding of their environment and local community.'

Tavistock town councillor Jeff Moody, who is a joint organiser of Tidy Tavi along with Steve Hipsey, said: 'A big thank you to all the volunteers for all their hard work. Since we started we have collected in excess 1,200 of bags of rubbish in Tavistock and without the volunteers we wouldn't be able to do it.

'We are also looking for new volunteers, call me on 01822 615522.'

Nicky Pratten, headteacher at Mary Tavy and Brentor School, said: 'We are delighted and very proud to announce that our school has just received the highest possible award from the RHS. 

'We were judged at Level 5 outstanding, one of only two Tavistock organisations out of 15 that achieved this high standard.

'One of our teachers Mrs Carowicz runs a gardening club for very enthusiastic children and continues to improve and develop our grounds supported by children, staff and parents.'

Sue Hepworth, Roots to Transition co-ordinator, said: 'We're thrilled that the hard work of our Roots to Transition volunteers has been rewarded. The Rose Garden and areas behind the tennis courts were in need of renovation and it's wonderful to see them in such "blooming" good condition. People have also been coming along to pick and try the vegetables. We're looking forward to doing more during the next season.'

Paul Kelly, Plymouth Road Cemetery supervisor, said it was an honour to have been given the award in recognition of everyone's hard work.