THE very best gardeners have been recognised for their efforts at this year’s Cumbria in Bloom awards.

The awards, attended by more than 150 people, were held at the Tithe Barn in Carlisle.

Stanwix walked away with five separate awards.

Councillor Paul Nedved, who represents Stanwix Urban, said: “It was an outstanding performance for Stanwix.

“The area won the Best Urban Community Award for the fifth year running with a silver gilt award.

“Barn Close won Best Residential Home.

“Carr’s at Old Croft won the Industrial Section and Stanwix School won best container garden in the CIB Schools Gardening Competition

“As well as that the Friends of Rickerby Park were said to be “thriving “ in the In Your Neighbourhood Awards.”

Mr Nedved said he was “simply delighted” at the area’s achievement.

The judges were also impressed.

They said: “Barn Close displayed 27 hanging baskets of high quality all complimented by manicured lawns and planting schemes.

“Both the preschool and Stanwix Primary School demonstrated the children getting a good grounding in growing for health.

“Old Croft (Carr’s) Garden and grounds had excellent structure and exciting projects planned.

“The overall impression was that the area was free from weeds, graffiti and dog fouling.”

The judges acknowledged the “terrific community involvement” to achieve this.

They added that there was “excellent community involvement” from nursery to octogenarians, plus cubs, scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award participants.

Mr Nedved gave thanks to everyone involved.

He said: “Stanwix is blooming and we are looking forward to the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony on October 25 in London.”

Awards also went to Penrith for best large town and Kirkoswald for best village.

The village of Bothel was awarded The Allerdale Trophy.

The 2019 Community Champion Award was presented to Dalston’s Stephanie Diver and Pat Jackson, who were acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to their community.

Invited guests included Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Marilyn Bowman, High Sheriff Marcia Fotheringham, Deputy Lieutenant Tess Hart and Chairwoman of Cumbria County Council, Councillor Christine Bowditch.

Chairman Colin Cheyne said: Colin added: “We were very impressed by the high standard of entries this year.

“Allerdale as a district participated to a greater degree compared to some of the other districts, which was great to see.

“If you look at Carlisle and district, it has been Dalston and Stanwix who have been the standouts, and in Eden, Penrith has been the standout this year, with Kirkoswald as a very strong village.”

Originally set up in the 1980s following a national campaign led by The Tidy Britain Group, Cumbria in Bloom later became a registered charity in the early noughties.

Colin added: “We thank Stanwix in Bloom, partly supported by Carlisle City Council Events Panel and Councillors, for its sponsorship of this year’s awards. We would also like to thank Rev Keith Teasdale, St Cuthbert’s, Canon Michael Manley for loan of the Cathedral PA system.

“The smooth running of this event was all due to the excellent preparation by our administrator, Liz Auld, with a little help from our management committee.

“We thank everyone who was involved in this, the highlight of our year, and we look forward to a short rest before the run-up to our annual general meeting on November 11 at Newtown Rigg, near Penrith.”