Representatives from three local gardens were presented with their awards at a special ceremony for The Royal Horticultural Society and Heart of England in Bloom in Coventry.

Jenny Clarke and the volunteer team from the Blake Memorial Garden, Tim Shelley, Project Leader of the Ross Community Garden and Mrs Janet Auty of Ross Court travelled to Coventry for the event on Thursday, September 21st.

They were all delighted when they were told they were ‘Outstanding’ by the RHS judges.

Jenny, from the Blake Memorial Garden in Wye Street, told the Ross Gazette: “This unique area continues to improve and thrive with the help of the willing volunteers, although many more would be very welcome.” She added that during the Ross Open Garden weekend earlier this year, many of the visitors commented that they had no idea that the garden was there.

Tim Shelley collected an ‘Outstanding’ award for the Community Garden for the fourth year running. He said: “This award is in recognition for all the hard work that goes on throughout the whole year, in all weathers, by those we support and by those who kindly volunteer. It is a great team effort and we are thrilled with our award.”

Mrs Janet Auty, Manager at Ross Court told the Ross Gazette: "We are delighted to receive this award. The garden is a very important part of our home and much time and thought is spent by both residents and friends, making it a special place.”