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Our entries and their achievements in last year's competition were;

Gateshead (Large Town/Small City) - Silver award

Morpeth (Town) - Silver Gilt award and winner of a Local Roots Award, presented to the community that best encouraged activities and links between their unique local history or cultural diversity.

Earsdon (Village) - Gold award and best in its category

South Shields (Coastal Resort) - Silver award and winner of the Commercial Award for the finalist that demonstrates the best contribution from business and retail interests.

There were also personal Shredded Wheat Community Champion awards for Dave Peacock of Whickham and Les English of Morpeth.

Congratulations to all of them.

A full list of Britain in Bloom 2008 award winners can be found at:

Gateshead  Gateshead was congratulated for all the initiatives that were implemented in restoring pride into the commmunity and particularly how colour was provided through and across the town to brighten up areas. Gateshead Council was commended for the provision of the plant nursery which will ensure  that all the excellent quality and variety of summer bedding displays seen throughout the tour will continue in to the future. It was also extremely encouraging to hear that parks apprentices were employed training for the future. The judges were particularly impressed with the number of bedding schemes repesenting ten years of the Angel of the North and the range of colourful gardens seen across the town in particular at Festival Park.
Whickham  'The relationship between the council, Bloom Committee and local organisations in Whickham is evidently strong' said the judges,'with some impressive projects underway to benefit all members of the community.'     There was extensive provision of well managed green space and floral display across the entry. The judges were particularly impressed with the conservation work in progress at Watergate Park and the range of hortcultural features in Chase Park. Dave Peacock was given a special award for his work in creating the 'fantastic Hermitage Garden which championed volunteer involvement, responding to the desires of the community'.
Morpeth  The judges said this was a most impressive tour which in most areas achieved a very high standard indeed.  'Congratulations on the partnerships, particularly with the business and schools communities. Morpeth can be proud of its continuing efforts'. They were impressed with the extensive uptake of floral themes by the business community especially the role of the chamber of commerce and the excellent frontage and shop window displays by Rutherfords.   Mr Tom Ridley's garden received a special mention and Les English received a special award for his work in support of Morpeth's Bloom efforts.
Earsdon  The judges said  'it was an absolute pleasure to visit this lovely village, where community spirit leaks from every pore; the tour allowed us to meet virtually everyone, and there was no doubt of their commitment.   A clear and enjoyable presentation from Verna McNaughton started the tour, which included a helpful insight into the history of the village. We were also most impressed by how you have engaged with the local authority. An outstanding Britain in Bloom effort, showing what the Bloom is about in every respect - thanks for a fabulous visit.'
South Shields  Quite the worst weather the judges had experienced in their national judging took place on their visit to South Shields; however, despite the incessant rain, the sense of humour of the South Shelds team never flagged at any stage and made the judges' visit one of the most enjoyable they had had. Clearly many new developments were taking place and there was a commitment to develop important aspects, such as community involvement and friends groups as the town progresses further into the Bloom.   They were particularly impressed with gardens in the redeveloped market area, which were attractive and well cared for, 3-D carpet beds such as the Running Man, St. Hilda's church at the town hall and the New Guinea Impatiens beds in North Marine Park.