The winners in the Heart of England in Bloom Campaign were announced last week by the Heart of England in Bloom Committee with Birmingham overall winner in the Large City category.

The second City’s entry included a variety of elements including Friends of Parks groups, Birmingham Museums Trust, Business Improvement Districts, Birmingham Cathedral, Growing Birmingham, Amey and Quadron in addition to QEHB’s Community Orchard’s and Gardens.

Over 200 delegates from villages, towns, urban communities and cities attended the presentation from the 54 entries with Birmingham being announced as the gold award for best large city.

Assessing QEHB’s element in August, Heart of England Judge Graham Redfern said: “We look forward to seeing the plans for the Queen Elizabeth hospital develop. Anthony Cobley’s vision was infectious!”

Antony Cobley, health and wellbeing lead at QEHB, said: “This is fantastic news that Birmingham has won the Gold in the Large City category and I am massively proud that QEHB’s Community Orchard and Gardens were a part of that.

“I would like to thank all of our partners and volunteers who have worked so hard to let the project to get this far.”

Peter Short, Parks Facilities Manager from Birmingham City Council, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of all parks staff and the partnerships we have made to help Birmingham into a first class place to live, work or visit.”

Chris Blythe from The Conservation Volunteers, said: “I’m so pleased that the work we have done as partners to really help build a vision for Community Orchard and Gardens has helped Birmingham into the top spot, it is great news!”

For more information on QEHB’s Community Orchard and Gardens please visit the website.