Horwich in bloom winner brightened gardens at Flockton Court

Mrs Callaghan, aged 73, has single-handedly brightened up the gardens at Flockton Court for her fellow residents to enjoy.

The sheltered housing complex was also the winner of the best residential home category in the annual gardening competition run by Horwich Town Council.

Mrs Callaghan said: “This is the second year we have won, and I am patting myself on the back.

“It is a big garden with different flower beds, colourful hanging baskets and a nice seating area where people can sit in the pleasant surroundings.

“This helps keep me going — I love gardening. We have held garden parties to raise money to buy the plants.”

Dozens of residents in the town entered the competition.

Other winners included Richard Swimby, of Factory Hill, who took the deputy mayor, Ken Thomson’s prize for his favourite garden.

Mr Swimby, aged 61, said: “I have had nice comments about the hanging baskets and I am really pleased to have won the category.

“I am disabled, so I can’t do the gardening myself, but I have had a lot of help from my grandchildren who enjoy it.”

John McKee, aged 66, of Brightwater, who won the front garden category, said: “This is the third time I have won the category and I am really pleased because I put a lot of effort in.

“There are all sorts of plants, you name it and I’ve got it.”

The full list of winners are: Best Overall Entry — Flockton Court.

Front Gardens — John McKee, Brightwater.

Containers — Marjorie Cooper, Vale Avenue.

Public Houses and Clubs — Crown Hotel, Chorley New Road.

Allotments — Roy Greenhalgh, Plot 4 Nasmyth Street.

Shops and Businesses — Redrow Homes, Arcon Village.

Places of Worship, Residential Homes etc — Flockton Court, High Street.

Best First-time Entrant — Janet Hubble, Douglas Close Best Disabled Entrant — Glynis Holden, Stanier Place.

Best Garden Feature — Mr G Donohue, Gloucester Avenue.

Deputy Town Mayor’s Own Favourite — Richard Swimby, Factory Hill.