We’ve always known that Southport is blooming brilliant - and now it’s official!

Southport has tonight won GOLD in the Britain in Bloom awards in Birmingham, being crowned Britain’s Best Coastal Town with a population over 12,000, as well as taking the Overall Winner honour.

Our seaside resort took the title after overcoming challengers including Bournemouth, Deal, Exmouth, Great Yarmouth, and St Peters Guernsey.

Brenda Porter is at the event tonight.

She said: "It's a packed house here.

"I am so happy for Southport to win as it's such a great competition.

"But this success tells you that as a community and working together not only improves our individual locations but brings justified accolades.

"I have spoken to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) North West in Bloom chairman Mr Bill Blackledge who is delighted for us and commented on everyone in Southport working as a community

"I have also spoken to one of our judges for Britain in Bloom and he said well deserved and great community spirit.

"I did the initial presentation for Southport on August 5 and raised how we worked as a community. At the end of judging they said that had been found to be very obvious.

"This result involves so many people all with commitment and with Dorothy Lee Ogden we are delighted and honoured to have received the award on behalf of everyone . Working together also involves Sefton Council and the relevant officers."

Among those delighted is Pauline Morris, who leads the Lord Street In Bloom volunteer group of guerrilla gardeners who have transformed Lord Street.

The volunteers were busy again today, planting 5,000 purple crocus bulbs ready to bloom next Spring, in a bid to support the Rotary Club’s Purple for Polio campaign.

Pauline said: “I am in shock we have won a Gold and Overall Winner beating Guernsey.

“Fantastic news for all the hard working volunteers and TLG contractors who have worked so hard over the last few months to pull this off. A big pat on the back for all involved.”

Southport BID played their part by providing floral planters throughout the town centre.

A BID spokesman said: “A huge congratulations to all the volunteers, businesses and officers who work so hard to make our town blooming great!”