Henley has left rivals from three counties wilting by winning the annual regional Britain in Bloom competition for the second year running.

The town notched up 166 points - 25 more than local rivals Marlow - as it scooped the silver gilt award.

Now the town's organising team is keeping its fingers crossed that Henley will also be top dog when the national results are announced later this month.

Judges praised the way the town has moved forward since winning gold last year and singled out Cllr. Elizabeth Hodgkin and her team for their "vigorous and enthusiastic hard work".

The town is very grateful to Windowflowers who have done a marvellous job this year. Windowflowers are Henley's main contractors for flowerbeds and displays and have provided the "best ever" baskets this year. Miles (see photo above) lives at Hambeldon and regards Henley as his "home" town and is very proud to be associated with our efforts. Please visit their website at www.windowflowers.com.

The team enjoyed further success when the portfolio for Henley in Bloom, put together by the committee and volunteers with help from French Jones, was named joint winner.

The Thames and Chilterns in Bloom Association, which covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, said: "The judges found Henley fighting the threat of floods but still in sparkling form.

"This is no surprise because the vigorous, enthusiastic and hard-working Henley in Bloom committee, led by Cllr. Hodgkin, who has for some years become a recognisable face to us, never fails to produce a wide range of new innovations supporting the Britain in Bloom campaign.

"This year the judges found new bedding schemes, the cleaning up and planting of a new rose garden, the rejuvenation of a local shopping parade by adding flower tubs and new projects at schools. Their professional portfolio is an excellent portrayal of every part of Henley in Bloom and was commended by judges."

A delighted Cllr. Hodgkin paid tribute to the people of the town for all their support in the run-up to the competition. She told the Standard: "I am so pleased and proud that Henley has again won this category.

"So many people in the town have worked very hard to maintain - and I think improve - the standard we achieved last year. It is a real team effort and it takes everybody to be involved, from businesses to pubs to schools. I thank them all for their great efforts.

"It has to be a community event otherwise there is no point in doing it, and I really feel this year there has been a coming together of the people in the town. And soon we will start all over again for next year."

Henley's mayor, Cllr. Terry Buckett said the award was a great achievement. "I'm absolutely thrilled - full marks to Cllr. Hodgkin and the team.

"It is great for the town and everybody who lives here. Given the weather we have had this summer, it is a fine achievement, absolutely first class. All the hard work has paid off. The displays are stunning and people are always commenting on how lovely the town looks."

As a result of winning last year's regional competition, Henley was entered into this year's national finals, the results of which will be announced on September 25th at Coventry Cathedral.

Below is a picture of the "Bloomin Floods" and also of the fantastic display in Hart Street provided by Windowflowers.