A parish council recognised green fingers of all ages when more than 80 local gardeners attended the annual Parish in Bloom Awards Evening. 

Children ranging from age 5 to 11 who had entered the new children’s categories in St Stephen’s Bloom were presented with their prizes and certificates, with Amelia Basi, age 6, receiving the trophy for the overall children’s winner. 

In addition the St Stephen Gardening Club, in association with the Parish Council, presented awards for the Best School Garden, won this year by Mount Pleasant Lane School, Bricket Wood.

In the Business Hanging Basket category Sam and Scott Wilson of The Gate public house took first prize for their display at the front of the pub. 

Following the presentation of the awards Mr Peter Judd, who has been allotment gardening for 75 years, gave a very talk on his experiences of gardening during the war.

All winners received certificates and National Garden Voucher prizes, with trophies for the winners in each category.