St Andrew’s Floral Guernsey team leader Joc Watts, who died in June, was honoured at last night’s Britain in Bloom awards. (0786959)

ST ANDREW’S secured a silver gilt award at the Britain in Bloom awards last night.

The parish picked up the accolade in the large village category of the Royal Horticultural Society’s competition.

Tony Spruce, chairman of Floral Guernsey, said: ‘This is a fantastic achievement for St Andrew’s. As an island we have a tremendous record in the competition. I think sometimes we forget how lucky we are.’

Also honoured was leader of the Floral Guernsey St Andrew’s team Joc Watts, who received a posthumous award from the RHS in recognition of her outstanding contribution.

She died on 8 June after a short illness. Her husband Ray received a standing ovation when he went up to collect the award.

‘Sometimes it is difficult to realise the impact someone has on a community but this really brought it home. Joc was so full of energy in everything she did – it was a fitting tribute,’ said Mr Watts.

Gill Thwaite of the St Andrew’s Floral Guernsey committee said all the hard work had paid off.

‘We are thrilled and very proud. We feel we did our best and are very pleased.’

She thanked everyone for the help the team received in the weeks following Joc’s death.