Volunteer Annie Northfield awarded Freedom of Town by Witham Town Council

Annie Northfield, who ran Witham In Bloom, was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Town by Witham Town Council on Tuesday *Dec 15* - the highest honour it can give.

Mrs Northfield mostly worked alone to create colourful floral displays across the town and at Witham station, with funding from the town council.

After a fall which left her with a broken kneecap, Mrs Northfield took the decision to step down from her role earlier this year.

Hers is the first award of its kind given out by the council, which was presented to her at the mayor’s Christmas Reception at the Town Hall.

She said: “It was amazing - I had a little feeling they might say something but it was a very big shock.

“I am very honoured really because it’s the very first time they have done this.

“The certificate is absolutely beautiful.

“I said, I’m not normally speechless but I really was. It’s really nice they think so highly of me.”

Along with a decorative certificate, Mrs Northfield was presented with a red floribunda rose which was named after her by the Royal National Rose Society.

She said: “I’m going to dig something up and put the rose in my front garden - it is beautiful.”

Bill Rose, town mayor, paid tribute to Mrs Northfield with a speech.

Speaking before, he said: “It’s the first time ever we have made this award in recognition of someone’s dedication and commitment.

“Witham Town Council started in 1922 and Annie is the first Freeman in their history.

“Annie has got a lot of expertise and she knows so many people.

“This is really to say thank you for her work over the last 15 years and it really is a unique award.”

He added: “The rose has lots of blooms all over it which is fitting.

“She will be sorely missed.”

Since Mrs Northfield’s retirement, the town council has taken on responsibility for the floral displays and is appealing for people to take on the summer competition and children’s competition.