Two Norfolk communities are celebrating after grabbing gold in Britain in Bloom.

Norwich Evening News: Judging for Anglia in Bloom at Filby. Picture : ANTONY KELLYJudging for Anglia in Bloom at Filby. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

Norwich city centre scooped a gold in the Business Improvement District category for its 'excellent entry'.

Highlights included the sustainable planting in the churchyards, gardens at the Assembly House and the shopping centre's solar panels.

Filby, near Great Yarmouth, won the Village category and was awarded a gold medal for the exceptionally high standard of the group's entry.

The judges were impressed by the impact of the planting throughout the village, management of green space and strong sense of community.

Norwich Evening News: Judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. Pictured at St Peter Mancroft Church. Picture : ANTONY KELLYJudges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. Pictured at St Peter Mancroft Church. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

Standout features including the arid area, herbaceous plantings and the displays at the village shop.

The winners were announced at the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals in Llandudno, North Wales on Friday, October 28.

Terry Bane, life member of the Friends of Norwich in Bloom and honorary ambassador for Anglia in Bloom, said: 'I decided earlier this year that the Norwich Bid entry was going to be my final campaign helping plan and coordinate entries and producing portfolios so I am really pleased my very last involvement helped achieve a gold,

'I can fully retire now but will still encourage others and give advice.'

Norwich Evening News: Judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. Pictured at St Peter Mancroft Church. Picture : ANTONY KELLYJudges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. Pictured at St Peter Mancroft Church. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

Halstead in Essex was also named Joint Winner of the Town category and awarded a gold medal.

Other finalists representing Anglia to receive awards included Colchester with a Silver Gilt in the Small City category and Hunstanton, a Silver Gilt in the Coastal category.

The five joined Britain in Bloom groups from across the UK at the RHS Britain in Bloom awards ceremony, hosted by TV presenter and renowned garden designer James Alexander-Sinclair. RHS judges visited the 78 finalists over the summer to assess each group on community participation, environmental responsibility and horticultural achievement.

Roger Burnett, chairman of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: 'It's a huge honour to witness how Britain in Bloom brings people together and the lengths that groups go to make their communities clean, green and beautiful.'

Norwich Evening News: Judges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. Pictured at St Peter Mancroft Church. Picture : ANTONY KELLYJudges meeting the Norwich in Bloom team and take a tour of Norwich. Pictured at St Peter Mancroft Church. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

Norwich Evening News: Judging for Anglia in Bloom at Filby. Picture : ANTONY KELLYJudging for Anglia in Bloom at Filby. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

Norwich Evening News: Judging for Anglia in Bloom at Filby. Picture : ANTONY KELLYJudging for Anglia in Bloom at Filby. Picture : ANTONY KELLY