GREEN-fingered residents of Prudhoe were rewarded for their hard work at the annual Prudhoe in Bloom awards.

Mayor, Coun. Tracy Gilmore welcomed a collection of residents to Prudhoe Parish Hall on Saturday, September 22 for the awards presentation.

For the first year ever, Prudhoe Town Council and Prudhoe in Bloom agreed that there should be a ‘Community Champion Award’, to be presented to an individual who goes the extra mile.

Marion Lewis was presented with a glass keepsake by way of thanks for the endless hours of litter collecting, slaying Himalayan Balsam and as put by Prudhoe Town Council 'generally being an all-round wonderful human being'.

Mr and Mrs Frazer of Castle Road took home the Pauline Howdon Hanging Basket award, in memory of Pauline who, right up to her death in 2015, was a champion of the Prudhoe in Bloom competition. Prize certificates awarded to another thirteen entries.

And the winner of the 2018 Community Award Shield was The Friends of Eastwood Park group who have transformed the park to the delight of nearby residents and visitors.

Russ Greig and Angie Scott collected the shield and have lots of ideas to spend the winning vouchers. Other entries to the Community Awards section were Mickley Social Club, Ruskin Court, Low Prudhoe and Paddock Close, all of whom were awarded vouchers to help their efforts.

Ferndene won the school award, with the award collected by horticultural enthusiast and teacher Chris Sheehan.

Prudhoe Methodist Church won first place in the Church awards and although Mr Tom Teasdale has now retired from his gardening efforts, members are dedicated to ensuring that his many years of hard work does not go to waste.

And silverware for the Best Front Garden in the town was awarded to Mr John and Mrs Shirley Frazer of Castle Road. Mrs Diane Hull of Maple Grove collected the trophy for Best Rear Garden in the town.