Trophy collection grows and grows

TROPHIES galore: celebrating success are (front from the left), Glenn Dale (head of parks and gardens), glasshouse operatives Andrew Wakeman and Andrea Blackman with two of the trophies, and Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives

Oldham’s gardening trophy cabinet is bulging.

Parks and Gardens staff came together to celebrate their recent victories at the national Britain in Bloom contest and the North-West in Bloom awards.

Earlier this month, Oldham scooped gold in the Best City category at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom awards as well as the Horticulture Award in recognition of the Bloom and Grow programme.

Judges Roger Burnett and Jim Buttress said: “Oldham has got to be the entry others aspire to.

“No stone has been left unturned in striving to achieve horticultural excellence — a superb example of what can be achieved in these challenging economic times.

“The underlying factor that shines out is the unbelievable community participation, a very worthy category and gold medal-winning entry.”

At North-West in Bloom, Oldham was crowned Best City for the fifth year running as well as earning the Best Town Centre accolade.

Fitton Hill won the Urban Community category and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice won a special award for its display.