NANTWICH has been hailed as the most beautiful town in the north west once again thanks to the work of the dedicated Nantwich in Bloom team.

The town is now in line for the accolade of Britain's prettiest town after scooping a host of top awards at last week's North West in Bloom awards ceremony at Bolton's Reebok Stadium.

The Nantwich in Bloom team, represented by chairman Malcolm Smith, Connie Jones, Julia Williams and Jean Hallam, walked off with the best town and most improved town prizes, and will now represent the region in next year's Britain in Bloom contest.

The town won a silver gilt in last year's UK awards, and spokesman Jean Hallam said the team would be going for gold next summer.

She said: "We are absolutely over the moon to have won these prizes.

"We're very pleased that all of our hard work has paid off, and the town has certainly looked very nice this year.

"Obviously we are thrilled to bits to be representing the north west in next year's Britain in Bloom contest, and it will be a very big moment for the town.

"We won a silver gilt in 2004, and now we're hoping to bring home the gold in next year's awards."

Mrs Hallam said the awards were a credit to the team's sponsors and supporters, including local businesses, Stapeley Water Gardens, Reaseheath College, Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and Nantwich Town Council.

She also thanked local people for their support in helping to make the town attractive and a joy for all its residents.

Last week's awards ceremony also brought success for a second team from Nantwich, with dedicated volunteers from Richmond Village, off London Road, walking off with a merit award for their work to make the retirement complex attractive.

l Pictured right is Percy Thrower's daughter Margaret who judged this year's Nantwich In Bloom contest