GREEN-FINGERED residents have helped Bury and Radcliffe to scoop a series of prominent awards for its floral features and clean open spaces.

Bury and Radcliffe fought off fierce competition at this year's North West in Bloom competition.

The borough clinched a Gold award in the Britain in Bloom North West Small City category for the 15th year in a row.

For the eighth time since 2005, judges nominated Bury to represent the North West region in the 2019 Britain in Bloom national finals.

Meanwhile, Radcliffe clinched a Silver-Gilt award in the Best Large Town category for the fourth year running.

Bury also received the Environmental Award for local authorities — a discretionary award given by the judges to credit the cleanliness of the town and the cleanliness of the parks.

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Huge congratulations go to everyone who has helped deliver these amazing results, despite the challenges of the summer heatwave. Our workforce and all our In Bloom supporters have yet again pulled everything out of the bag and done Bury and Radcliffe proud.

“Quality green spaces are hugely beneficial to the local environment but, not only this, they’re vital in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities too.

“It’s great to keep on winning such prominent awards for our quality green spaces, but best of all is everyone pulling together to achieve results and keep our borough a great place to live, work, study and visit.”

To top off the borough's success, Clarence Park, in Chesham, came away with a Silver-Gilt after entering in the Royal Horticultural Society's park awards.

‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards, which recognise the work of community groups, were also given to Stock Street (Outstanding), Red Bank Extra Care Scheme (Outstanding), Eden Gardens Allotment Association (Outstanding), Abbey Close TRA (Thriving), Corrie Gardeners (Thriving) and Diggle Lane Allotments (Thriving).

The awards were announced at a ceremony in Southport on Friday, November 2.

To support Bury in Bloom or Radcliffe in Bloom, either as a hands-on volunteer or via sponsorship, visit www.bury.gov.uk/buryinbloom-support or phone 0161 253 5266.