A weekly newspaper editor has won a national award for his work in helping to beautify the town he serves.

The Royal Horticultural Society has presented Andy Rush, left, who edits the Loughborough Echo, with its Britain in Bloom Community Champion Award.

Andy, who has served as Loughborough in Bloom chair for more than 10 years, has been named as one of 12 recipients of the award, handed out to “an individual or individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to the Britain in Bloom cause in their community”.

Andy was put forward to RHS as a candidate for the award by judges of the horticultural competition, Nigel Bishop and Brendan Mowforth, after they visited Loughborough in August.

Said Andy: “It’s a real honour to be crowned a community champion and it’s been a privilege to watch Loughborough in Bloom turn into something so successful and fantastic over the years.

“We’ve never looked back since starting the project and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. Well done to everyone, and thank you.”

In 2007, the Echo decided to reform Loughborough in Bloom and more than 100 ‘Bloom partner’s, individuals, businesses, local authorities, the MP, nurseries, residents associations and educational institutions have got involved since.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for open space and leisure, said: “From the word go when it was mentioned Andy was right behind it and everyone at the Echo has played their part. The award is very well deserved.”