The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has been named the best garden centre in the Midlands, Wales and the West at the Garden Centre Association (GCA) Area Awards.

The family-run business, based in Three Cocks, also received recognition across a range of categories, including first place for customer service, plant area, garden products, indoor living, clothing and innovation.

It also achieved joint first place for pots and ornaments.

Further awards saw the centre finish second for indoor plants, pets and aquatics, and food hall, while it was joint second for catering and third for environmental and sustainability.

The Old Railway Line has also progressed to the Ruxley Rose Plant Area Competition, which recognises some of the best plant areas in the UK.

The awards followed inspections carried out by the GCA, assessing garden centres on areas including retail standards, customer service, plant quality, catering, environmental practices and innovation.

GCA chief executive Peter Burks praised members across the region for their “dedication, innovation and high standards”.

Inspector Alyson Haywood, who visited centres during unannounced inspections over a 12-week period, highlighted the region's warm, knowledgeable and friendly customer service" and commended centres for their welcoming atmosphere, strong plant quality and attractive displays.

Katie Eckley, operations director at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, said the team was “absolutely delighted” with the recognition.

“To receive recognition across so many different areas of the business is a real testament to the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of our entire team,” she said.

She also thanked customers for their continued support.

“Their loyalty means everything to us, and we’re proud to share this achievement with them,” she added.

The Old Railway Line will now represent the region in the national GCA awards later this year, while also competing in the Ruxley Rose Plant Area Competition.