A NORTON residential home has won 'garden of the year' in a national competition.

Rivermead in Scarborough Road, was presented with the award by celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock, during a ceremony at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Barchester in Bloom is a gardening competition organised by national care provider Barchester Healthcare, owners of Rivermead, to promote the imaginative planting of flowers, trees and shrubs in the gardens of its homes to create positive environments for residents and relatives to enjoy.

Charlie said: “Barchester in Bloom inspires me every time and it’s great to be part of this tradition. These awards highlight how sharing, enthusiasm and passion for gardens can come together to transform a home.”

Rivermead's gardener, John Smith and receptionist, Linda Barker attended the awards ceremony and were presented with a £1,000 cash prize to spend on their garden.

The home was crowned the winner because of its floral displays and bright hanging baskets, which residents, staff and visitors to the home all love. The well-kept displays give the home a really welcoming feel and the hard work that went into maintaining them thoroughly impressed the judges.

Victoria Attisha, general manager at Rivermead said: “I am very proud of all those who have been involved in helping our garden grow from strength to strength, especially our gardener John, his dad Gordon Smith, and staff members Joe Thompson, Tracey and Jimmy Shea.

"It feels incredible to have the ‘Garden of the Year’ 2014!”