Jubilant residents in Falkland learned yesterday (Thursday) that their village had won the ultimate accolade in the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom campaign — the 'Champion of Champions' title.

That came just days after Cuparians celebrated their town's double success in the Beautiful Scotland awards, winning a one-off Homecoming Award as well as the silver gilt trophy for best medium town.

Falkland in Bloom, whose vast tally of trophies includes gold in the prestigious Entente Florale awards in 2007, won the 'Champion of Champions' award at their first attempt, having been invited by the RHS to compete in the coveted category for the next three years in recognition of their success in the Britain in Bloom campaign over many years.

The victorious Falkland in Bloom committee collected their award at a glittering ceremony in Torbay, south Devon, last night from BBC 'Gardeners' World' presenter Toby Buckland.

But their triumph was tinged with sadness as the man known as the 'lynchpin' of the organisation didn't live to see the fruits of his labours.

Polytunnel manager Bob Maxwell, who along with his wife Jean made up and tended hundreds of baskets and containers, died suddenly in February aged 77.

Also at the ceremony were green-fingered residents of Kinnesswood, whose efforts earned them a silver gilt award in the large village category.

Meanwhile, Mary Law, chair of Cupar in Bloom, expressed her delight at the town's double success in the Beautiful Scotland awards presented in Aberdeen's Beach Ballroom on Monday night.

Judges praised Cupar for its cleanliness and floral displays, which they noted showed no sign of any damage following the torrential rain and floods in early July.

Mrs Law said: "The Homecoming award is very special as it is a 'one off' award presented to mark the Year of Homecoming and is in the form of a quaich which is Cupar's to keep.

"We had some wonderful comments about our tartan carpet in St John's Church and Robert Burns display in East Road, and I would like to thank everyone who helped us create them as it really has been a team effort."

Also celebrating in Aberdeen on Monday were residents from the tiny north east Fife community of Grange of Lindores, who won a silver medal in the clachan category, while Scotlandwell won the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Trophy.