ANYONE watching the Tour of Britain wend its way through Prudhoe could not help but be impressed by the town’s bright and cheerful appearance.

The neat and colourful gardens bordering schools, businesses and homes alike simply amplified Prudhoe’s celebratory air.

And last week the green-fingered gardeners were rewarded for their efforts in this year’s Prudhoe in Bloom awards presentation.

Returning for a 10th year, the Prudhoe in Bloom competition has expanded over the years to include rear gardens, schools and churches.

To encourage environmental responsibility, this year additional points were awarded for gardens with bird feeders, water butts, insect friendly planting and compost bins.

Vivienne Bolton has judged the residential entries since the contest’s launch in 2005 and remarked that standards improve year on year with a great effort made by all who enter.

The trophy for best front garden in the town went to Mr and Mrs Batey, of Park Lane, and the trophy for best rear garden went to Mr and Mrs Hull, of Maple Grove.

A special community contribution certificate was awarded to Paddock Close residents Mr and Mrs Ather, Mr Helm, Mrs Costello and Mr and Mrs Robinson for their efforts.

The town’s schools were judged by Vivienne and Dean Readman of Hollybush Nurseries, who also took the time to speak to pupils about their gardens.

The trophy for best school garden was jointly awarded to Mickley First School and St Matthew’s RC First School.

Vivienne and Dean also judged the efforts of the town’s churches, awarding the Rose Bowl for best garden to Prudhoe Methodist.

The criteria for the business category of Prudhoe in Bloom were extended to include ‘taking pride in your patch’ to commend businesses who brighten up and look after their piece of the town.

And the results of the eye-catching window display competition that saw the town filled with colour for the Tour of Britain race were announced.

The award for best-dressed shop window went to Balls Fish and Chip Shop for its elaborate display which incorporated Queen Elizabeth II and runners-up were the White Tulip Wedding Company.