And the efforts of scores of residents has been rewarded by Britain in Bloom's small neighbourhoods' category after months of planting, digging and mowing.

Sixteen areas across the city scooped awards at a ceremony at Liverpool's Echo Arena including Windsor Court sheltered scheme in Poole Road, Fulwood, which received the Best Small Neighbourhood trophy.

It also got an outstanding achievement award for its private gardens as well as Brookhaven sheltered accommodation in Leyburn Close, Ribbleton and Jubilee PR2 Residents Group which looks after Castle Mount, Fulwood.

Shauna Newbold, 10, and Jordain Shorrock-Rose, nine, picked up the improvement award for the wildlife garden at Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Whitby Avenue, Ingol.

Shauna said: "The day was very exciting, we felt it was great to be chosen to represent our school. The award is very special to us and our school."

Jordain said: "It is a reward for all our hard work and we hope to take part again next year."

Headteacher Ray Sudlow said: "We are part of the community and we have a responsibility to do what we can for our school gardens for people to see, even if it's just when they're walking past."

Also given improvement awards were Dalmore Road, Ingol, where 13 children from Ingol Community Association planted marigolds and pansies in a community garden.

Kevin Bullen, resident of Windsor Court, said: "To be nominated is an honour but to win the outstanding achievement award is a tremendous achievement.
"I was very proud to represent everyone at Windsor Court at the ceremony – you could say it was blooming marvellous."

Other improvement winners were Preston Youth Inclusion Project, Ribbleton, the Ashmoor area which is close to the university and the Waverley Road Alley Project in St Matthew's.

Merit Awards were won for work done in Ashdale, Tanterton; Ashworth Court, Avenham; Astley Court in the city centre; Sunningdale sheltered accommodation, Broughton; The Filberts, Fulwood, and New Brook House/Maitland Close, Fishwick.

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