Businesses and parks from around Lowestoft have been given awards from the campaign that covers the whole region.

Communities, businesses and parks from across Lowestoft were celebrating after collecting awards from a campaign that covers the whole region.

Nicholas Everitt Park, Kensington Gardens, Blundeston and Gunton Hall Costal Hotel all won separate awards at the annual regional awards ceremony which took place last Tuesday, September, 18.

Blundeston received a gold award and won the category of best large village (1001 - 2500 Residents). This is first year the village has ever won an Anglia In Bloom award.

Delighted parish council chairman and vice chairman of the Blundeston in Bloom, Graham Wade, said: 'This is a great achievement. We have been going a long while and this is the first time we have got a gold. It is down to everyone's hard work and this makes it all worthwhile.'

Gunton Hall Costal Hotel won their category along with a gold award to become Anglia In Bloom's best hotel.

The hotel, owned by Warner Leisure, describe themselves as a hotel with 'a distinctly rural feel, beautiful grounds and plenty of character.'

It is located within walking distance of the beach and offers food and drink along with live shows, a spa and a leisure club.

Two small Lowestoft parks made the shortlist, both winning awards at the ceremony.

Kensington Gardens won a silver gilt award and Nicholas Everitt Park won the title of best small park under five acres and a gold award.

This is the third year that the park in Oulton have won the gold award after the friends of Nicholas Everitt Park (FONEP) and the council helped bring it back to standard.

Geoff Pipe, chairman of FONEP, said: 'We are so proud, when you think that the awards cover six areas and our park is the gold standard, that is fantastic.

'To be put up against everybody else and come out on top is a brilliant achievement, it's something we can mention on funding applications that proves we are one of the best.'

The volunteer group meet once a week on a Thursday to complete maintenance on the park.

Mr Pipe said: 'I used to come down to this park when I was in my teenage years, I used to fish in the park and watch the powerboat racing.'

To find out more about the Anglia In Bloom awards and who won, visit www.angliainbloom.co.uk/2018-award-winners