Speaking after the announcement was made, Councillor Andrew Muir said: “This is an amazing achievement and I have to say congratulations to everyone involved in making this happen for Holywood.
“Having taken the runner-up spot last year, this year’s success is well-deserved after the amount of hard work, time and energy that went into to securing this title.
“Winning this title is proof that by Working as One we can succeed. The Council together with community groups, such as Holywood Residents Association and Holywood Conservation Group, has worked relentlessly in sprucing up the town, tackling eye sores and making the place a great town to visit, live, work or invest in.
“How a town looks is vital to attracting visitors and hopefully this news will encourage tourists and residents alike to come and see everything Holywood has to offer, all surrounded by award-winning beauty.”