GREEN-FINGERED residents were praised for their beautiful blooms in a gardening contest.

Colne Housing Association handed out the prizes in its gardening competition, which has been relaunched after five years, following a final round of judging.

This year’s judging panel included Ken Crowther an expert gardener for BBC Essex.

First prize for the individual garden category went to Sonia Tucker, from Clacton, while Andrew Ladbroke, of Colchester, came in second place.

Meanwhile Jo Lindner, of Colchester, and Peter Blunt, of Clacton, were winners in the small area category.

James Scott, Colne’s resident involvement officer and competition organiser, said: “We were delighted with the response from our residents.

“So many people went to a great deal of trouble to make their gardens, patios and window boxes look so beautiful.

“We also wanted to recognise those who do not have a garden, yet still make their tubs and balcony displays look wonderful.

“We shall now be making this competition an annual event.”