EXPERT gardeners have upheld Thornbury’s reputation for excellence at the It’s Your Neighbourhood annual competition.

For weeks green-fingered locals trimmed, planted, watered and landscaped the town’s gardens to wow the Royal Horticultural Society’s judges.

After an excruciating wait, they discovered on Friday, September 21 that all four of their entries topped the awards list.

Turnburrie’s community garden, Christ The King Church’s prayer garden and the townwide Tree Strategy Group project all won the "Outstanding" award while Park Road community garden snatched the "Developing" title.

Thornbury in Bloom chairman Sue Aitken said: "The awards are Establishing, Improving, Developing, Thriving and Outstanding. Our fourth entry was a new one, they won the mid-award of Developing which is extremely good for a first year of entry."

The overgrown patch was given a new lease of life thanks to the dedication and back-breaking work of Andrew Forsythe, a young man with Downs Syndrome with a little help from his friends and family.

"This is a small patch of land near the Scout Hut in Park Road, which until last year had been overgrown, vandalised and a place for undesirables to hang out," Mrs Aitken added.

"It has been transformed by a young man with Downs Syndrome, Andrew Forsythe and his carer Tom Dale, with support from Andrew's mum Sheila Forsythe, who is on our In Bloom team, and Andrew's friends.

"I am immensely proud of our It's Your Neighbourhood entries. They embody the whole spirit of In Bloom which is getting the community involved to improve our environment."

Thornbury In Bloom is hoping to continue its winning streak and scoop gold at the Royal Horticultural Society's Champion of Champion competition.

The contest's results will be announced in October.

To take part in the It's Your Neighbourhood competition next year call Sue Aitken on 01454 419350 or email thornburyinbloom@yahoo.co.uk Alternatively go on Thornbury In Bloom’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/thornburyinbloom