DELEGATES from across the South West descended on Tavistock last week, for the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom South West spring conference, as the town prepares itself to 'grow for gold'.

Tavistock was chosen to host one of only two spring conferences held by Britain in Bloom South West after impressing judges following the win of a Silver Gilt Pennant Award in last year's competition.

Seventy-six people, including councillors, mayors and community members from Bristol down to Penzance, attended the spring conference at the Bedford Hotel, which offered help and advice to towns and villages entering the competition, for which Tavistock was used as a case study.

Jon Wheatley, chairman of Britain in Bloom South West and member of the RHS council, told the Times: 'South West in Bloom is proud to be in Tavistock — it is a lovely town, and we're really pleased Tavistock is involved in the awards through Tavistock BID.

'The awards are not just about flowers, they are about communities, improving the wider environment and above all involving local people in local issues.

'Devon is a beautiful county which has had a long history with South West in Bloom and it is lovely to find that the BID in Tavistock is now doing a similar thing.

'We wish Tavistock well in this year's competition.'

The involvement in Britain in Bloom South West has been spearheaded by BID, working in partnership with Devon County Council and Tavistock Town Council.

After entering for the first time last year and winning in the Pennant awards, a category introduced for BID towns, BID manager Lisa Piper said they were now 'growing for gold' in the main awards this year.

Lisa said: 'Having the spring conference here is really good for Tavistock and has been a boost to money spent in Tavistock as most of the people attending have stayed over.

'If we can get a gold in the awards this year, it is a stamp of approval that is recognised nationally and would be a really great thing for Tavistock.'

Town mayor Cllr Harry Smith said he was pleased to be involved: 'It is important for the town that the town council supports this venture.

'As mayor I want us to win. It would give the town another credential.

'Everything I have heard so far implies we're good for gold, and I hope we get it. We are going to put in our best efforts.'

Devon county councillor for Tavistock Debo Sellis said: 'I am absolutely delighted to be involved.

'This is a fantastic opportunity for people who want to help us to sign up and get their gardening gloves on.

'It is a really good community event and I fully support it.'

BID is also hoping to enter the town into the sub-category 'Your Neighbourhood Awards', which can feature people who are proud of the gardens or allotments.

For more information or to find out how to get involved, email [email protected]">[email protected]

• Pictured are RHS Britain in Bloom South West chairman Jon Wheatley, financial manager Terry Porter, county councillor for Tavistock Debo Sellis, town mayor Harry Smith, BID manager Lisa Piper, Ashley Eslick from the town council's works department and other members of Britain in Bloom South West.