The efforts of gardeners have paid off with the announcement of this year’s Cliftonville in Bloom winners.

The annual competition aims to encourage people to use their horticultural skills to help the environment and improve the appearance of the community.

The best front garden was won by Penelope and Terry Whiteway, of Godwin Road; the best container garden was claimed by Vivienne Osbourn, of Alboin Road; gold for best commercial display was handed to Patricia Bishop, of Walpole Bay Hotel; best street was Sweyn Road; and The Children of Dalby Square won best community garden.

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Silver awards were handed to Jean and Sarah Baker, of Sweyn Road, Linda Cooper of Prices Avenue, and The Warwick Guesthouse in Warwick Road.

Meanwhile, Vivienne Osbourn, of Albion Road, James King, of Sweyn Road, and Nasza Biedronka, of Madeira Road, all picked up bronze prizes.

The free event is organised and funded by the GRASS street scheme, which is run entirely by volunteers living in Cliftonville.

Chairman Simon Bell said: “With Thanet’s waste management issues hitting the headlines recently is really is wonderful to see that many residents are taking positive action to improve Cliftonville.

“Over the last few months we have found the amount of creativity and work that has gone into the competition gardens to be truly inspirational, and we congratulate all entrants on their efforts, you’ve been bloomin’ brilliant.

“Living in Cliftonville is wonderful, and it’s the people and businesses that make it so exciting and vibrant.

“The energy they have channelled into their gardens is incredible, making Cliftonville more beautiful so that we can all take pride in the place we call home.”

With this year’s competition done and dusted, the group are looking ahead to next year,

Mr Bell added: “Next year, Cliftonville in Bloom is going to be even bigger and better, with more categories and prizes, and we are also planning to expand the competition to include Cliftonville East.“We also hope to introduce a companion event called Cliftonville in Colour, which will be an art based project that will appeal to residents who don’t have green fingers.

“So that Cliftonville in Bloom continues to grow we are looking for sponsorship.

“If you would like to help please get in touch with us at our website, grasscliftonville.org.”