GARDENERS have come together to celebrate their hard work in an evening of awards hosted by the Bracknell in Bloom committee.

The celebrations took place at Bracknell and Wokingham College on Wednesday, October 24 and entrants collected prizes from 12 unique categories.

Bracknell in Bloom recognises the communities hard work in making gardens look more 'interesting and colourful' despite the dramatic changes in weather this year.

Organiser of the competition Margaret Corridan said: “The competition is all about building friendly communities in our town and rewarding the tremendous effort put in by Bracknell gardeners of all ages.

“Gardening brings people together, improves people’s health and wellbeing and creates a place that even non-gardeners passing by will enjoy.”

Residents who attended the ceremony had a presentation by Alan Carr, co-founder of the War Horse memorial foundation and Deputy Mayor Councillor Roger Meakes who was congratulating the winners.

Andrew Radgick, lead volunteer judge at the awards said: “Despite a difficult year for gardens and allotments, the judges had a hard time picking the winners from another year of high standard entries.”

Some winners of the awards included The Old Manor for having the best pub garden, and Holly Springs Junior School for the best school garden in Bracknell.

Many other contestants won awards in the 12 categories such as runner up prizes for the most improved allotment, best garden for the community and best display of roses.

The committee organises events each year supporting Bracknell's entry to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom initiative and promotes horticulture in Bracknell.

Jackie Burgess of Bracknell Town Council said: “The event was wonderful, the best yet. Bracknell in Bloom work so hard to reward the community efforts and the gratitude was evident in the large crowd that attended the event.”

Entries for next year’s awards are accepted until May 1st, 2019.