Winners of gardening competition receive awards from Lord Mayor

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Glynn Evans, will present the winners of the 2007 East Manchester Gardening Competition with their prizes at a special ceremony at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The competition, a joint initiative between east Manchester's New Deal for Communities and Eastlands Homes, was open to all amateur gardeners living in the Clayton, Beswick and Openshaw areas of east Manchester.

Hannah and Allan Boardman, both 80 years old, from Eastern Bypass in Clayton have won Best Garden for the third year running.

The judges were also particularly impressed with the gardens at Philips Park Allotments where all the flowers and vegetables are organically grown. The gardeners at the allotments are very environmentally aware and use composters, waterbutts and wormeries. They have also introduced ponds, bird feeders and boxes to enhance the biodiversity of the area.

In addition Philips Park has a community orchard which the allotment owners help look after.

Sean McGonigle, east Manchester NDC's Co-ordinator said: "Despite adverse weather conditions over the past few weeks we still had 20 entries this year. A number of residents were unable to enter as their gardens were virtually washed away so it's quite remarkable we had anything to judge at all. However the entries we did get were of an amazing standard and a real credit to those who had so lovingly cared for them under difficult circumstances."

Sheila Doran, Chief Executive of Eastlands Homes said: "Thank you to everyone who entered this year. The high standard of entries shows that not even the bad weather can get in the way of the hard work and dedication of these keen gardeners. We are really proud of everyone who entered, they are a credit to their neighbourhood."

Winner and runners up receive Focus DIY vouchers.

For more information visit www.eastmanchesterndc.com

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