by Gráinne Connolly
Castlecaufield has won an international award at the 2017 Communities in Bloom competition in Canada.
The village's Horticultual Society, already a winner of Ulster in Bloom and Britain in Bloom titles, was competing in the 'International Challenge' category against four other shortlisted communities; one included the Listowel Tidy Town Group in County Kerry.
During the summer a panel of international judges visited Castlecaufield to assess the area.
They looked at its tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, landscape and floral displays, as well as the level of community involvement and partnerships which are an essential element of the awards.
Speaking after the news of the win, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Kim Ashton said:
"This an absolutely huge achievement for Castlecaufield and I am so delighted for everyone involved.
"The whole village contributes to the planning, the planting, the watering, the maintenance which really is a 24 hour, 7 days a week oepration.
"There's a real joy in what they do and this latest award is testament to the community spirit and civic pride which Castlecaufield has.
"They are incredible ambassadors for Mid Ulster and I'm looking forward to welcoming home the delegation from Canada."
Communities in Bloom included entries from the United States, Italy, Ireland, Belgium and Croatia in the International Challenge.
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