GREEN-fingered Prudhoe residents saw their hard work rewarded in this year’s floral competition.

The Prudhoe in Bloom awards presentation took place on Saturday in Prudhoe Parish Hall.

The hanging basket award, which was only introduced last year and was created specially in memory of the late Pauline Howdon, was awarded to Adrian Porter, of Scales Crescent, receiving the Pauline Howdon Trophy for his blooms.

Mr Porter also received the trophy for Best Front Garden, while the trophy for the Best Rear Garden went to Diane Hull of Maple Grove.

This year, the competition in the schools section was particularly tough, with all schools achieving a gold award or above.

Dean and Vivienne Readman, of Hollybush Nursery, presented the winning cup to Chris Sheeham, teacher at Ferndene NHS Children’s and Young People’s In-Patient Services.

This year’s judge for the churches category was Vivienne Bolton, from Corbridge, who inspected the church gardens, which are all maintained by volunteers. The cup was presented to Tommy Wilson for Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s Church.

In the Community Gardening Awards, which reward residents for taking pride in a patch near to their homes, first place went to the residents of Paddock Close. Tom Helm, George and Hazel Ather, Shirley Costello and Barbara and Andy Robinson planted up planting pots, tubs and baskets resulting in blooming good results.

In the business section, Ball’s Restaurant and Tearoom and Paul Stangroom Fine Arts received platinum awards. Over 40 businesses were presented with certificates.