Winners of the borough’s Havering in Bloom competition have been presented with awards by the mayor.

Residents had been busy digging, planting, potting and growing the floral displays in preparation for the competition. The best community garden award went to Douglas Road Community Area, and the best bio diversity went to Corbets Tey School, which also won best school grounds for the third year in a row. It was given for areas that are well-maintained, and for the educational use of the grounds.

Also recognised were prizes for best allotment plot and site. This year’s award went to Raymond Carvalho for his plot in Jubilee Close and the best allotment site was won by Peter Gibbs and Paul Knight for the Keats Avenue Allotments in Harold Hill.

The Chambers award, which recognises the hard work and dedication of communities and social groups, was won by St Francis Hospice.

Pam Court, chief executive of St Francis Hospice, said: “We are delighted that our beautiful gardens and the tireless efforts of the estates and gardening team have been recognised.

“Whatever the weather brings, the gardeners, mostly volunteers, are out looking after the grounds so they are tidy, interesting and a relaxing environment for patients and visitors.”

The event was attended by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Lynden Thorpe and cabinet member for environment, Cllr Barry Tebbutt.

Cllr Thorpe said: “It is always a privilege to be part of this award ceremony. Year after year, many Havering residents put 110 per cent into their gardens, community spaces, schools, allotments and even hanging baskets.”

Cllr Tebbutt added: “Havering residents love gardening and take enormous pride in their homes.

“It was an unusually hot and dry spring, which even came with drought warnings and then a disappointingly wet summer this year.

“These conditions would have tested the expertise of anyone but our gardeners came through with flying colours. Everyone deserves a pat on the back for their efforts to make the borough more beautiful.”