A blooming great success!

Keen gardeners, stunning school displays and colourful businesses were just some of those praised for being the best at a presentation evening.

Lowestoft in Bloom honoured gardeners from the schools, private sector and business sector at their annual awards evening at the town hall as the successful prize-winners received their certificates and trophies from the mayor of Lowestoft, June Ford.

A LIB spokesman said: 'Keen gardeners from the schools, private sector and business sector assembled to receive their well-earned trophies and certificates. The schools were well represented and with eager, excited children the Mayor presented the awards.

'After the children, the adults appeared just as keen to get their awards, and once again The Mayor did us proud by presenting the awards.'

Among the numerous winners receiving their prizes were residents from Birds Lane, who lifted the Best Street award, various schools from across Lowestoft with the Harbour Pupil Referral Unit being recognised in the regional Anglia in Bloom awards.

Lowestoft in Bloom is a registered charity and is run by a small committee of dedicated members who all give their time freely and without reward.

The Kirkley Business Association (KBA) were celebrating after receiving their floral awards. KBA representatives 'were delighted' to receive a silver award in the business overall impression category at the LIB awards.

Other winners in the area were Blues and Bloater - Gold (standing container) and Gold (Best business Overall Impression); Flying Fifteens - Gold (Best Container Small business) and The Sandcastle - Gold (Best Container for Guest Houses).

A KBA spokesman said: 'This is great recognition of Kirkley's floral identity.'

KBA representatives also attended the Royal Horticultural Society and Anglia in Bloom's presentation evening. The spokesman added: 'We were thrilled to be upgraded to level five - 'outstanding' category in the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' awards.

All the hard work, planning and wisely spent donations seem to be paying off.'