The regeneration of a garden named in honour of the Queen Mother has won a prestigious award.

The British Association of Landscape Industries - known as Bali - gave the project a gong in a 'best regeneration under £500,000' category of its annual awards.

Judges said the refurbishment, which took place late last year over three-and-a-half months, was “an exemplar of how collaboration between stakeholders can bring about positive change on many levels.”

Dereham Times: Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement at Breckland CouncilPaul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement at Breckland Council (Image: Breckland Counci)

Breckland Council, landscapers CGM, architects Jeremey and Rhona Stacey and Dereham Town Council were all partners on the project.

Hugh King, town mayor, said: “The garden is much-improved, thanks to the skill and expertise of CGM Group in implementing an inspiring design from Rhona Flemming. 

“Credit should also go to Councillor Harry Clarke who has been steadfast in delivering this project for almost seven years, an outstanding achievement which has helped bring this wonderful garden back to life.”

Dereham Times: Breckland Council has announced that the Dereham’s Queen Mother's Garden project has been awardedNew picnic benches, wheelchair-friendly paths, sensory planting areas and a community library were all added as part of the project, which was conceived as a way to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.

New CCTV and security gates have been installed to combat anti-social behaviour issues.

Dereham Times: Hugh King, mayor of Dereham Town CouncilHugh King, mayor of Dereham Town Council (Image: Royal British Legion)

Bird boxes designed by children from Dereham Church Infant and Nursery School have been installed, while a new path makes access easier for users of the nearby Meeting Point centre.

And, to commemorate her life, a new Queen's Mother planting bed has been created with clematis Queen Mother, roses agapanthus and thousands of new bulbs.

The Queen Mother herself opened it in 1983 - at the time it was the only one to be named after her.

Councillor Paul Hewett, Breckland's property, projects and procurement executive member, said: "The Queen Mother's Garden project has been a transformational project, not just for Dereham, but for our approach to working in partnership.”

Dereham Times: The Queen Mother opening the Queen Mother's Garden in Dereham The Queen Mother opening the Queen Mother's Garden in Dereham (Image: Archant Library)