A CROWD gathered in Corbridge Parish Hall on Friday to congratulate the winners of the annual Corbridge in Bloom awards.

Residents, businesses and community groups who go the extra mile to look after their patch, and helped contribute to the village’s success in this year’s regional Northumbria in Bloom and national Britain in Bloom competitions, were honoured.

Northumberland county councillor for Corbridge, Jean Fearon, was on hand to give out the awards, which are coordinated by the Corbridge in Bloom volunteer group.

Among the winners was villager Vivien Bolton, who is perhaps best known for her floral design work and arrangements with the Stocksfield South of Tyne Flower Club.

She received a special award for her garden on Aydon Avenue.

“I’ve been gardening and flower arranging for 40 years and I do get a lot of comments about my garden because I have a lot of unusual things in there,” she explained.

“You couldn’t really say that it’s a front or back garden because it wraps around the house.

“I grow all sorts of lillies and miniature rhododendrons which provide a lot of interest.”

Awards were handed out in a total of 10 categories, with winners and runners up chosen by Northumbria in Bloom judges.

Neville Rutherford, Corbridge in Bloom member and former chairman, said: “It was great to see so many people come along to support the event.

“We were very pleased with the turnout.”

RESULTS

John Mennim Gardening Trophy for the best front garden. Winner: Ms C. Armstrong, The Orchard. Runner-up: Sheila Goldsworthy, Aydon Crescent.

Senior citizen's garden. Winner: Joan Robson, The Riggs. Runner up: Mr and Mrs Stewart, Synclen Terrace.

Cafe or restaurant. Winner: Tea and Tipple, Market Place. Runner-up: Cafe No. 6, Market Place.

Public house or hotel. Joint winners: The Angel of Corbridge and The Black Bull.

Other business. Winner: Corbridge Garden Room, Market Place. Runner-up: Acanthus, Middle Street.

Community building. Winner: Corbridge Parish Hall. Runner-up: St Andrew's Church.

Senior citizen's community complex. Winner: Windsor Court. Runner-up: Trinity Court.

Community award. Winner: Woodbine Terrace. Runner-up: Old Bakery Yard.

Special award: Vivien Bolton, Aydon Avenue.

Corbridge in Bloom award for tubs and baskets. Winner: Il Piccolo, St Helen's Street. Runner-up: Mr J. Issitt, Tudor Cottage.