WESTPORT’S tally of environ-mental awards increased over the weekend as it scooped a prize in the international Communities in Bloom Competition. Westport was named winner in the International Challenge - Small Population section in the prestigious world-wide competition. The Communities in Bloom Competition, now in its thirteenth year, involves hundreds of local authorities throughout Canada along with international competitors.

Westport was the Irish Representative in this year’s competition. The town was awarded five blooms; the maximum achievable; and special mention was given to the Green Flag Schools Programme in the town. Plans are being made for a community celebration in October to celebrate the award and to acknowledge the contribution of statutory and voluntary organisations in achieving another International award for the town.