THREE groups of volunteers have been congratulated on their success at a reception in the Mayor’s parlour.

Teams from Stourbridge, Kingswinford and Wall Heath celebrated their achievements with the Mayor of Dudley.

The volunteers won recognition in the Heart of England In Bloom Awards which celebrates the quality of an area’s local environment, particularly through the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers, conservation and recycling projects.

Stourbridge was awarded gold, an upgrade on last year’s silver gilt award, while Halesowen received the gold award for the second year in a row.

On the area’s first submission to the awards, Wall Heath received a silver gilt honour, which is the second-highest prize on offer.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Hilary Bills, said: “Winning recognition for three areas in the borough in these awards is a brilliant achievement and it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers. I know just how hard they have worked to make this happen.

“They have given up so much of their time to make their communities a brighter and happier place and I hope they all feel proud of their achievements."