Coleraine named best town in Ulster in Bloom competition

Coleraine's win is the only are in the Causeway Coast & Glens to be honoured

Coleraine have picked up the 'Best Town' award in this year's Ulster in Bloom competition, beating the likes of Larne and Enniskillen to the prize.  Coleraine's win means the Causeway Coast and Glens picks up an award in a competition dominated by Mid Antrim.

The horticultural contest encourages towns and villages across the province to put out plant and floral displays in a bid to look their best.  The contest also endeavours to help communities develop a sense of civic pride in their efforts to beautify their towns.  Coleraine was also a finalist in the 'Britain in Bloom' competition.

Congratulation #Coleraine our 2016 #ulsterinbloom 'Town' winner! @CausewayCouncil pic.twitter.com/0opVj4wBoZ

— Translink (@Translink_NI) 14 September 2016

There were 156 entrants in all in this years contest, with representatives from all 11 council districts.  Coleraine's win was the only winner from the Causeway Coast, after Mid Antrim picked up five awards in total.  Ballymena scooped 'Best Large Town', while Cullybackey was named 'Best Large Village'.

Ballymoney also came close to success after they came third in the 'Best Station' category, the Ballymoney Railway station was pipped to the prize by the Londonderry and Newcastle bus stations.