Cab hailed a blooming winner

OLDHAM’s winning entry - which was modified with a Hallowe’en theme last week

OLDHAM has been crowned North-West in Bloom champions for the SIXTH year in a row.

The entry received a gold medal and was named the Best City in the annual Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) competition.

The borough also collected the award for the best town centre display, which included a red phone box and a taxi cab. The display was designed by council leader Jim McMahon and his two sons.

The bed was given a makeover for Halloween and will again be transformed for Christmas.

Oldham has now been nominated as the region’s representative for Britain in Bloom 2016 in the Best City category.

Councillor McMahon said: “This a team effort so to win Best City for the sixth year in a row is a truly outstanding achievement and a real honour for the borough.”

Dobcross Village Community received an Outstanding award in the North-West in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood category, which honours groups which are improving their local communities.

A Developing award went to Skills Swap Shop, Fitton Hill, and Improving awards to Alex Carter Memorial Garden and McDonagh Close/McKie Close/Walters Drive, both also Fitton Hill.