CORBRIDGE picked up a hat-trick of awards in the annual Northumbria in Bloom competition.

The community was awarded gold for the parish hall gardens on St Helen’s Street, which were singled out for praise as the best public building, as well as another gold for the residents of Woodbine Terrace in the best residential community category.

The dedication of Corbridge in Bloom chairman Neville Rutherford was also recognised with an outstanding contribution award.

His inspiring leadership of the volunteer group, which ensured the village picked up gold in the national Britain in Bloom competition last year, was honoured at the awards ceremony held in Gateshead on Wednesday.

Hexham’s efforts were also recognised with a silver gilt award in the towns category and Ponteland, one of Northumbria’s Britain in Bloom entries for 2017, was awarded a gold in the small towns category.

Ponteland’s result on the national stage will be announced on October 27.

“This has been another busy year of hard work and achievement for our entrants throughout Northumbria in Bloom,” said Eileen Burn, chairman of Northumbria in Bloom and vice chairman of the RHS Bloom Federation.

“Considering the awful weather that we all suffered during most of the summer, we have been treated to colourful and imaginative displays and planting from our entries.

“As more communities are taking over responsibility for their areas, they are reaping the rewards of shared horticulture, enthusiasm and community spirit.”