Horwich is celebrating another successful year for its annual gardening competition.

More than 80 local residents and businesses entered the six main categories in this year's Horwich in Bloom.

Judging took place this month and winners were chosen for their creative use of space, diversity of plants and vibrancy of colour.

Committed entrant Esther Fleming was the overall winner, also scooping first place in the Best Front Garden category.

Mrs Fleming, of Moor Platt Close, has been entering the competition since it began 11 years ago and has won several prizes over the years.

She said: "I enjoy gardening and have colour in my garden all year round. I am very proud of it, especially my roses, so it is a lovely surprise to win."

The prize for Mayor's Favourite Garden, selected by Mayor of Horwich, Cllr kevan helsby went to Greenbank sheltered accommodation residents Pearl and Arthur Holder.

Eric Maxfield, warden at Greenbank, which also came third in its own category, said: "This is the first time we have entered the competition, but our residents do this sort of thing every year for themselves.

"Most,are of retirement age, so this prize is a credit to them, particularly Pearl and Arthur, whose garden is awash with colour all year."

The mayor also selected his favourite garden feature - a beautiful red rose - which belonged to Mr and Mrs Hulme, of Chorley New Road, who also were winners in the Best New Entry category.

Cllr Helsby said: "They were all of such a high standard and it was hard to choose just one favourite as so many were exceptionally good.

"You can clearly see the hard work people have put into their gardens and it really contributes to the area."

Horwich Town Clerk, Linda Challender said: "Once again the people of Horwich have done us proud. The judge commented on the high standard of the gardens and the obvious commitment of people who took part."

Winners will be presented with their prize vouchers and trophies by the Mayor at a presentation day on Saturday, September 11.

Other results

Front Gardens:

First - Esther Fleming, Moor Platt Close

Second - B and D Hill, Lee Lane

Third - Joan Wright, Latham Row

Containers:

First - June Sneddon, Berne Avenue

Second - Mrs J Holmes, Berne Avenue

Third - Mr K Elcoat, Gloucester Avenue

Shops and Businesses:

First - Ridgemont House, Chorley Old Road

Second - David Price, Victoria Road

Third - Wendover Guest House, Chorley New Road

Public Houses & Clubs:

First - The Crown Hotel

Second - The Bridge Inn

Third - The Blundell Arms

Places of Worship, Residential Homes, Day Centres and Sheltered Housing:

First - Flockton Court, Julia Street

Second - Horwich Moor Methodist Church, Old Lane

Third - Greenbank Sheltered Housing, Chorley New Road

Allotments:ppp

First - Maurice Haworth, Lever Park Avenue

Second - Refiat Bridge, Lever Park Avenue

Third - Susan Stubberfield and Sandra Moss, Lever Park Avenue

Best entry by a disabled person:

Margaret Cornes, Corranstone Close