GARDENERS have been showing off their blooms in the annual Pickering garden competition.

Organised by Pickering in Bloom, the contest was open to all residents and included house gardens, patios, community and school garden, floral displays by businesses and allotments.

Eileen Blakeley, chairman of the group, said there was more than double the number of entries as last year.

“Judging had to take place over two days and our judges this year were Jack and Barbara Skidmore, who did an admirable job. “They remarked on the high standard of entries and had no hesitation in awarding their Judges’ Special Award to the winners of the large back garden, Jean Kavanagh and Callum Hallyburton, in Goslipgate.

The winners were: Large back garden/judges’ award – Callum Hallyburton and Jean Kavanagh, Goslipgate; large front garden – Mrs M Parrott, Whistler Drive; Small back garden – Mr J Brown, Middleton Road; Small front garden – Mrs S Leeder, Town End Close; patio garden – Mr N d’Alquen, Potter Hill; community garden –Mr Wilf’s Café, Vivis Lane, Pickering; business/commercial floral display – Royal Oak, Eastgate.

Awards will be presented at The Sun Inn, on Tuesday, September 9.