MELROSE in Bloom scooped the top prize at the 50th Beautiful Scotland Awards in Aberdeen.

Not only that, they also picked up the Large Village accolade (VisitScotland’s tourism award).

Chairman Quin Dunlop told the Border Telegraph: “We’re absolutely delighted, we’ve done really well.

“The award goes to the 50 odd dedicated volunteers who have done all the work and done a fantastic job.

“I think the flowers in the town look better than they ever have and we’ve had some really nice comments this year,” he added.

“But it’s not all about the flowers. It’s about the environment and community spirit so it’s a fantastic achievement. It’s judged on the Chelsea Flower Show standards.”

The awards celebrate horticultural Achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

And Melrose wasn’t the only Borders community to triumph, with Gala in Bloom taking the Silver Gilt Award.

Jo Robinson, VisitScotland Regional Director for Aberdeen City and Shire, said: “Wildlife and nature tourism is a huge draw for visitors to Scotland, both domestically and internationally, with 58 per cent of visitors to Scotland citing the country’s scenery and landscapes as their top reason for choosing Scotland as a holiday destination.

“From ensuring that the community is kept clean and tidy to the stunning, year-round, floral displays, Melrose in Bloom has done a tremendous amount of work to ensure a beautiful welcome is afforded to visitors.

“The group is a truly worthy recipient of this year’s VisitScotland Award.”

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful added: “I would like to congratulate all of the Beautiful Scotland 2016 award winners. “Quality local environments are vital to vibrant communities and good for business - helping to nurture respect for local places and improve wellbeing.

“All our Beautiful Scotland entrants have committed a lot of their own time and energy to make sure that Scotland’s outdoor spaces are kept clean, green and beautiful,” he added.

“The Beautiful Scotland awards ceremony provides the opportunity to showcase the role that they have played in making a difference.

“It is vital that we reward their efforts and celebrate their achievements.”