FOR the second consecutive year Looe In Bloom has won a coveted silver gilt medal in the annual South West In Bloom competition for small towns with a population under 6,000. This is just one step below Dartmouth who once again won the gold in the competition which requires hours of dedication and hard work to achieve medals of any colour. For the past three years the rules and criteria have been laid down by the Royal Horticultural Society. The chairman of Looe Bloomers, Penny Walters, said the committee were delighted with the achievement. 'This is a win for the whole of Looe, we have all done well,' she said. 'Everyone pulled together to make sure the town was looking its best for judging day on July 21. Penny, together with representatives of the Bloomers' committee, Diane Trerise, Gilda Pote and Marguerite Kingerlee, travelled to Bristol on Thursday to receive Looe's award. Secretary Helen Sampson, who was unable to attend the presentation, said Looe In Bloom was very pleased with their flower display and the overall state of the town. 'The competition is not just about flowers', she said. 'Also considered is Local Agenda 21 (sustainable development), Public Awareness, and Local Environmental Quality. Everything is scrutinised. 'Although Looe would love to win the gold it is not possible against a town like Dartmouth which has its own large parks and gardens department. We feel Looe has done very well indeed.'