A PEEBLES committee and volunteer group have won a prestigious floral award.

Scotland’s Floral Gateway Champion of Champions Award has been won by Bonnie Peebles, a small group which has worked hard to keep the town looking tidy and vibrant all year round.

The group started with a small amount of members 10 years ago after deciding more flowers beds on the Edinburgh Road would look good.

After applying for planning permission, the group raised the funding and with some goodwill from businesses a sculpture made by blacksmith Jim Whitson, the Blazing Blacksmith, was placed on the Edinburgh Road.

Avril Murray, Co-ordinator of Bonnie Peebles, told the Peeblesshire News: “ I am delighted for our committee and volunteers for all their hard work and enthusiasm.”

Over the years, Bonnie Peebles have gone on to take on the upkeep of 50 per cent of Council Gardens, following cutbacks.

They plant and maintain eight gardens in the town – Edinburgh Road Train Beds, Rose Beds, Northgate Garden, School Brae, Gun Shed, Hay Lodge Park and Forest View.

Since 2006, the volunteers have completely revamped gardens, composted every year, planted on average 1,300 summer bedding plants, 1,100 winter bedding plants and have placed six seats (two ornamental) around the town.

In order to achieve this, Bonnie Peebles need to fund all year round with quiz nights, coffee mornings and collections.

This year, one of the group’s latest projects has been to recognise the many achievements of Equestrian Show Jumper Scott Brash MBE, from Peebles.

In 2015, the Bonnie Peebles committee agreed to commission a sculpture welcoming everyone in to the town, and subject to planning permission, should be in by the end of 2016.

The Scotland’s Floral Gateway Competition trophy will be on display in the Museum Room of The Chambers Institution in Peebles from Monday, December 5 until  the end of February 2017.