A GARDEN centre manager is "delighted" after being voted the best garden centre in north and mid Essex by our readers for the second time. 

The winner of our 'Your Favourite Garden Centre' award 2024 has been revealed as Blenheim Garden Centre, in Colchester.

Members of the public were asked to vote for their favourite garden shop throughout north and mid Essex.

Trevor Hammans, manager of Blenheim, said: "We are delighted to have won this award yet again, it means a great deal to all of us here at Blenheim, especially being up against many of the bigger garden centres. 

"Owner John Harris started the business on Bromley Road, when he bought a two-acre field in 1989. 

"The garden centre has evolved over the years to what you see today. Many of our loyal customers remember us from those early days.

"We feel that a big part of our success is down to the personal customer service that we can provide.

"We have a great team working here and because we are a relatively small garden centre, we are able to interact more with our customers.

"We also pride ourselves on the quality of our plants, many of which are grown on-site."

The runners-up were Parkers Garden Company, Frinton; Craft Nurseries, Lawford; Fillpots, Boxted; Poplar Nurseries, Marks Tey; The Barn Garden Centre, Stanway; Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree; Blenheim Garden Centre, Colchester; and Hilltop Garden Centre, Weeley Heath.