Gardener Ella is the pick of the bunch

Tenants and leaseholders were rewarded for their glorious gardens at the annual Garden Competition awards ceremony at the Town Hall, with Mrs Worthington taking the overall title.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley, also awarded a prize for her favourite garden to Christine McMichael of East Dene.

In addition, prizes were awarded for the best first-time entry, best multi-use garden, best communal area and best balcony, patio or other small space.

Judges picked a winner in each category for the seven area assembly wards, with each winner receiving £50 in high street vouchers, a framed photograph of their winning garden and a winner’s rosette.

The overall winner was chosen from all the category winners and received a further prize of £200 in high street vouchers.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Dominic Beck, chose Mrs Worthington’s garden in Aston as the best.

He said: “The Garden Competition is a great way to recognise the people who have made a real difference to their local area by producing these magnificent gardens.

“I hope this year’s competition inspires all our tenants and leaseholders to make the most of their outdoor space to show their pride in their homes and neighbourhoods.

“The overall winner and Mayor’s choice were both first-time entries and I hope that their success encourages other tenants to enter next year.”

The Mayor added: “Our green fingered tenants and leaseholders make a fantastic contribution to their local area.

“All these wonderful gardens add real value to our neighbourhoods and the wider borough.

“Big or small, floral or functional, the care, creativity and pride in each garden is clear to see \!a and makes choosing a winner really difficult.

“Everyone who takes part  \!a not just the winners \!a deserves recognition for their efforts.”