THE chairwoman of award-winning North Berwick in Bloom is to stand down.

Rosemary Oberlander will resign from her role at the group’s AGM in November.

Mrs Oberlander, known as Rosie, has been a volunteer for the best part of two decades and at the helm for nearly eight years, but has decided to stand aside to focus more time on her painting career.

She told the Courier she had “loved everything” about the role.

“The whole experience has been great fun and I have learned a lot – not just about gardening – in that time,” she said. “I’ve also met some really great people and I’m sure that [North Berwick In Bloom] will continue just fine once I’ve stood down.”

The York Road resident does, though, hope to remain involved in some capacity.

Mrs Oberlander added: “I will retain my involvement with school pupils but have decided I need more time to devote to my painting career.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years and wish the team and my successor, whoever that may be, good luck.”

And she picked out last year’s Rosebowl win at the Beautiful Scotland awards as a highlight of her tenure

“To be chosen as the best in Scotland was is a great thing,” she said.

But the 52-year-old also said the praise of local residents “means just as much” to her.

She added: “It really isn’t about winning awards, it’s about the taking part.

“It means as much to me when people stop me in the street and tell me how great the town is looking.

“To know that the people of North Berwick appreciate what we do is lovely.”

And she said that winning their latest gold award – in the coastal town category at last Thursday’s awards – was a nice way to bow out, adding: “I’ve had a good run but I’d made my mind up [to stand down] before the awards.”

A spokesperson for the horticultural group added: “Rosie will be hard to follow.

“She has been much more than a chairwoman.”