A COMMUNITY garden based in Andover has won a top accolade in the RHS’s South East in Bloom awards.

Rooting for Andover achieved an ‘outstanding’ score for its poppy community garden in Augusta Park in the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.

The garden scored highly in all categories, including community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement.

READ MORE: New landlord aiming to offer quality homemade food takes over at village pub

RHS judge John Tweddle visited the garden in July and within his report commented how the garden was making a difference to people and was employing good gardening practices with plant choices which enhanced the area.

Rooting for Andover secretary Vicki Cunningham said: “I am so proud of all the trustees and volunteers for their hard work and dedication, which has led to this award. Considering the community garden is only in its second year, it is an amazing achievement.”

Within its feedback, RHS said that following the group’s achievements last year it has “expanded the growing area considerably, the fruit tree orchard has established successfully with the introduction of wildflowers across the orchard”.

SEE ALSO: ​Artists wanted to create public works of art across Test Valley

It continued: “Produce has been made available for all with a free distribution point at the entrance; further quiet areas have been created so visitors can use the garden as a place to enhance their mental health.”

Rooting for Andover chairman Michael Parker added: “I am delighted for all the volunteers who have worked so hard this year creating a beautiful garden. Soon we will start planning and going for gold again in next year's competition."

If you would like to know more about Rooting for Andover or the poppy community garden, visit ootingforandover.co.uk.