GARDENERS across the county have reaped the benefits of their hard work at this year’s Cumbria in Bloom awards.

The annual ceremony, which took place at Tithe Barn in Carlisle, was attended by dozens of groups, schools and individuals, with the awards handed out by the High Sheriff, Deputy Lieutenant for Cumbria, Mayor of Carlisle, along with others.

There was plenty of success for Whitehaven, Egremont, and Bootle, Carlisle, Dalston and Penrith – with several trophies picked up in recognition of the many hours of dedication by those involved.

In the schools section, Hensingham Junior landed the top spot for decorative features. The school was also highly commended in the best school garden category. West Lakes Academy at Egremont were joint winners in the edible gardening section.

Waberthwaite Primary was joint winners in the school’s enriching and widening the curriculum category.

The continental landscapes trophy for the special category went to Mr Telford’s private garden in Bootle. Bootle also scooped the Copeland Shield for best in borough.

The Doreen Parsons young persons trophy was won by Captain Shaw’s School boat at Bootle, with Orgill, St Bridget’s and Bookwell Schools in Egremont runners-up.

Colin Cheyne, chairman of Cumbria in Bloom said: “I’d like to thank all those who have taken part this year.

“Each of our entrants take pride of their part of the county, and it’s heartwarming to see.”

More than 150 visitors attended the ceremony.

In the pride in your community medal awards, Bootle was given gold and both Whitehaven and Egremont were awarded silver. The tourism awards saw Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway scoop silver. Captain’s Shaw’s was rated thriving in the school’s gardening category. Hensingham junior was awarded outstanding; Waberthwaite primary outstanding; West Lakes Academy at Egremont outstanding; and Millom infants advancing.

The neighbourhood awards saw Bootle in Bloom pick up advancing; Egremont town and area schools, thriving; Whitehaven town revitalisation group, thriving; Egremont bowling club, outstanding; Egremont cemetery and jubilee garden group, outstanding.