A project which “stirred everyone’s goodwill into one common effort” was officially recognised at a ceremony in Dover’s Market Square on Tuesday evening.

It marked the culmination of the Brighter Dover initiative, which started with one person’s idea and developed into something which has involved hundreds of people, and benefitted the town centre.

Sylvie Parsons decided to spring into action when cuts in local government funding meant there would not be any floral displays in the town centre.

She enlisted the help of local people and businesses and, with the support of the town and district councils, provided plants and flowers, put them in, and now makes sure they are watered regularly.

But the climax of the project was topiary, with a nautical theme, in the Market Square, and on Tuesday, Dover Mayor Cllr Ronnie Philpott, officially “unveiled” it.

“Dovorians have proved their resilience in the face of adversity,” she said. Mentioning the Community Garden, the group involved in improving Connaught Park and the Dover Society’s promotion of the Maison Dieu, the Mayor said Brighter Dover was proof of how volunteers and the councils could work together for the benefit of the town.

The galleon and yacht topiary are “sailing” on a sea of lavender, framed with box hedge. Much of it was planted by more than 40 young people from the Prince’s Trust whose numbers, said Mrs Parsons, had made light work of a fairly big job. Local residents Georgette Rapley and Alan Bushby also helped.

The project raised nearly £5,500 and the lavender and box hedge had been given by the town and district councils.

“Dover is a town worth visiting," said the Mayor. "It has some rare treasures, including the castle, Pharos and Napoleonic fortifications, historic ruins, beautiful gardens and, of course, the cliffs.”

Mrs Parsons said the success of the project had been due to the “utmost generosity and enthusiasm of the local residents, businesses, charities and associations” as well as members and officers of Kent County Council, Dover District Council and Dover Town Council.

The Dover Sea Cadets band provided the music for Tuesday evening’s celebration.