Green fingered Northumbrians did the county proud again as they collected a string of awards after impressing judges in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom competition. 
 
Dozens of towns, villages and businesses showed off their floral displays, summer planting and well-tended parks and gardens in the competition which has seen communities, town and parish councils and county council staff pull together to show off local neighbourhoods at their best. 
 
The county did exceptionally well, scooping top awards in a number of categories including best town, best large village and best new entry. 

Berwick bloomed in a number of categories, most notably as winner of the Best Town. Alnwick was runner up with a Gold award. Commenting on Berwick’s entry the judges said: 

‘The Bloom group’s designs and appropriate choice of plants in a variety of locations and microclimates, from open coastal areas to mature woodland and formal memorial parks shows real flair. They always keep one eye firmly on encouraging local wildlife. This is a very impressive group with a ‘can-do’ attitude who clearly feel a strong sense of pride in their town.’ 
 

Other scoops for Berwick included: 

North Star Day Centre won Gold in the Best Care, Residential, Hospice or Day Centre category 

Ord House County Park won Gold in the Best Commercial Premises (large) 

Berwick Transport Interchange won Gold for the best Bus, Metro or Railway Station 

Castlevale Parks in Berwick, won gold in the Best Park category 

Berwick Bowling Club won gold in the Best Sports Ground 

Spittal won Gold in the Best Residential Community 

Northern village Horncliffe village won the best new entry. 
 

Further south of the county, Holywell was winner of Large Village category and Corbridge was awarded Silver in the Small Towns category. 

In the Village category Northumberland also did exceptionally well with  Horncliffe scooping Gold, Lesbury Silver Gilt and Norham, Silver. 

On the commercial side, Lesbury Post Office won Silver Gilt in the Best Commercial Premises (small) and Seaton Delaval Town Centre won Silver Gilt in the Best Town Centre Retail Area. 
 

Alnwick Garden also won Gold in the Joint Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet member for local services said: 

“These communities, parks and public spaces look wonderful because of the effort that goes into tending and caring for them. 

“Bloom Awards aren't achieved overnight, and a lot of time is put in all year round with clean ups, tidying and planting. 
 
“During the Covid pandemic, the county’s open spaces played an important role in providing a much-needed respite for our residents who could enjoy time out in the fresh air in beautiful surroundings. 
 

“I am very grateful to everyone involved in making these places that everyone can enjoy. Volunteers who have given their time have done a fantastic job and that is reflected in the abundance of awards.”