A GARDEN centre in Bridport has scooped top prize in a national competition. 

Groves Nursery and Garden Centre was awarded 'The Greatest Christmas Community Event' for its Christmas Tree Appeal in a national competition run by Garden Trade News. 

Members of the team attended the national awards evening held in Birmingham on Tuesday, February 7. 

They fended off competition from 10 other finalists to claim the award. 

The Christmas Tree appeal invited local businesses to sponsor a tree. The trees were then donated to local 30 organisations in and around the Bridport and Beaminster area. 

Speaking to the News, Charlie Groves, managing director at Groves Garden Centre said: "It's brilliant. There are good garden centres across the country taking part in the competition so it is great that we have been recognised. 

"A judge came down and talked us through the aspects of the award. So to win it's fantastic.

"I just want to thank all the businesses that came forward to sponsor the appeal. Getting 30 organisations is really good going."

The festive scheme at the garden centre has run for a few years now, and it has grown in popularity year after year. 

In 2021 it donated 21 trees to local organisations, but this Christmas increased to 30 beneficiaries including schools and ambulances stations all getting a discounted five-foot real tree delivered to their door.

Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre have a branch in Bridport as well as a smaller sister venue in Beaminster. They also have a restaurant at Ivy House.