RESIDENTS in Hexham have been recognised for their green-fingered efforts following the relaunch of a gardening competition.

The title for the town’s best garden, run by the Hexham in Bloom committee of volunteers, was once hotly contested, said the town’s mayor, Coun. Tom Gillanders.

“We used to have the competition, some years back, but it fell into abeyance,” said Coun. Gillanders.

“But both Hexham in Bloom and the town council felt it was time to bring it back so that the residents can see the work they are doing is appreciated.”

Former Britain and Northumbria in Bloom judge Mrs Kenneth Clark, of Loughbrow House in Hexham, was among the judges who selected the winning plots – initially from photographs submitted in July, followed by unannounced visits.

And it was Jim and Joan Strain’s efforts on Garden Terrace – complete with shrubs, trees, herbaceous plants and a range of species – that scooped first prize.

The small but perfectly formed front garden of Gillian and Jon Arnott, who live at Valebrook, was hot on its heels in second place.

The judges also issued highly commended certificates to John Bell of St John’s Road and Helen and Paul Nicholson, of St Wilfrid’s Road.