Business is flourishing for annual awards

Shop and business owners met for the annual Garstang Business in Bloom Awards at the Royal Oak pub to crown the winners of the High Street.

There were four category winners large business, small business, pub/restaurant and banks - the entrants were judged by the Mayor and Mayoress of Garstang, Peter and Lyn Ryder, and the Garstang Youth Mayor, Lucas Brown,who had the tough job of marking the entries against the criteria set by In Bloom champion Norah Hoyles, the business entry co-ordinator.

The ceremony was hosted by The Independent Garstang Traders (Garstang and District Chamber of Trade)

Chaiman Luke Pollard presented the awards alongside the mayor, Alan Pearson, the chairman of the Garstang in Bloom team, and Garstang youth councillor Jorge Pollard

The team from The Dressing Room picked up first place in the small business category with the Deli Cafe and Conway Cards and Billington’s Electrical as runners up. The wedding shop was also crowned overall winner.

The large business prize was presented to the family jewellers Carrs with L. Stewart Dimond & Sons funeral directors Whites of Garstang in second and third place.

The Royal Bank of Scotland received recognition for their beautiful displays while the Royal Oak was given first place in the pub and restaurant category

During the ceremony, thanks was expressed to all the businesses for taking part in the competition, Luke Pollard said: “This year, the standard of the displays were extremely high – our

shop owners do love a good competition! I’d also like to express my thanks to the Garstang in Bloom team, who volunteer tirelessly to maintain the outstanding standard of floral displays

around Garstang.”