TAVISTOCK BID is celebrating success after bringing home a top prize in the prestigious South West in Bloom Pennant Awards.

The town achieved a Silver Gilt Pennant Award — the second highest award in its group — which is a great achievement for a first-time entry.

The Pennant was a new category introduced for BID towns, of which there are 20 in the South West.

Tavistock BID manager Lisa Waddling was really pleased with the award: 'We haven't done a massive amount in terms of preparation, we just went on how the town already is and did really well.

'They said we were a town to watch in the future, and could be a top contender for next year. For us to get a Silver Gilt Pennant award on our first time of entering was really amazing.'

Lisa said the judging panel was so impressed by the town, they asked to hold the spring conference in Tavistock.

'The spring conference offers advice and help before the competition and they are going to use Tavistock as a case study, so around 150 delegates from across the South West will come here — we're really pleased,' said Lisa.

Before the awards, the town was assessed by the vice-chairman of Britain in Bloom, and judge of the South West in Bloom awards, Jon Wheatley who said at the time that Tavistock had a 'wonderful identity' and a 'lovely community spirit'.

Jon highlighted that part of the award scheme was to monitor and assist entrants in the promotion of their own town through its heritage, environment and landscape features.

Lisa said that BID was already planning to enter Tavistock in to the main awards next year, which will be its 50th anniversary.

She said: 'Entering the main awards next year will act as a great incentive for Tavistock.

'We want to work with all groups, not just to do with flowers but also education, heritage and working with the community.

'We've now got to start getting prepared for spring and start working with these groups, to showcase what everyone is doing to make Tavistock a great place.'