Bath has won a major floral competition for the first time in four years.

The city could now progress to the national Britain in Bloom final after winning its category in the South West in Bloom final last week.

The city won the South West in Bloom title, receiving the Tesco Cup for the best floral town or city with a population between 35,000 and 80,000.

And community leaders in Bath are now waiting to hear whether the city has a place in the national final of the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom contest next year.

Bath has previously won the South West title but for the last few years has lost out to Taunton in the regional section. The city was also the first winner of the national Britain in Bloom final when the competition started more than 40 years ago.

The awards were received at a ceremony in the Assembly Rooms, which was attended by more than 500 people involved in the contest across the South West.

Organiser of Bath's efforts and chairman of the Bath in Bloom committee Barry Cruse said he was overwhelmed by what he called a "fantastic result".

He said: "We are at last back where we belong – at the top."

He paid tribute to the support of various departments at B&NES Council.

"It's been a few years coming but thanks to our wonderful parks department, cleansing team, council officers, Bath in Bloom committee and of course the many residents of Bath who contributed to our campaign, we have at last done it."

He added: "It was a memorable day. Everyone who attended left with a smile on their face and saying how wonderful Bath is."

Bath received a gold award, beating Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Torquay. Corsham won a silver gilt medal in its category.

St John's Hospital at Combe Park scooped the City of Bath cup for an outstanding landscaped garden, while the Lions of Bath project won the Local Roots award.

Mr Cruse, who also acts as a judge in the contest, was given the Alf Crouch Memorial Award for his services to the competition.

He said: "I was totally taken aback when this award was announced. I feel very honoured."

Several accolades were awarded as part of the It's Your Neighbourhood campaign, which is part of the wider Britain in Bloom initiative, and allows smaller community groups to get involved.

Primrose Hill Community Woodland Trust in Lansdown was given the only outstanding award in Bath.

Chairman of the trust Richard Cox said: "I didn't do it for prizes. When I see the woodland and what has been achieved, that has always been sufficient reward."

The On Board group, which was founded by June Player and has transformed the appearance of Oldfield Park station, was recognised as thriving, with Weston Village Gardening Club and Hayesfield School receiving developing awards.

The final award was for the Bees and Trees project which was said to be improving.

Mr Cruse said he was delighted with all of the results.

He said: "I am so pleased that this category has produced some very good results, in particular June Player for On Board and Richard Cox for Primrose Hill.

"I would like to see even more entries for the It's your Neighbourhoods next year."

For information on how to get involved in the city's floral efforts, contact Mr Cruse on 01225 310095.