SUNSHINE and soaring temperatures this summer were the perfect recipe for a fantastic floral spectacular in Kendal.

Gardens, displays, plots and more were entered into the annual Kendal in Bloom competition which wowed judges once again.

“The standard is improving every year, especially with the nice weather we’ve had,” said Kendal in Bloom vice-chairman Phil Walker.

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“Kendal’s just come out and looks fantastic – even the flower displays in the town centre and Bird Cage, which look wonderful. The weather has made it even harder to judge.”

Mr Walker added that entries were up ‘quite a lot’ in some categories but down in others, particularly in the commercial category, which they would like to see more interest in.

Scooping the prestigious Mayor’s Special Award was Horticare – an organisation under Cumbria County Council which runs day services for people with special needs and learning difficulties.

“It felt wonderful and the lads were there to receive the award with a member of staff,” said Martin Oldham, senior support officer.

“It’s team work for the lads – some use machinery and some help tidy up – but they all come with a purpose.”

The organisation has a polytunnel at its headquarters, plus contracts with James Cropper Speciality Papers, Murley Moss Business Park and also looks after displays in and around Kendal.

Among the winners was Queen Katherine School, Kendal, which bagged the Best Communal Garden.

Headteacher Gareth Roscoe said: “It’s really pleasing for us as a school. We set up a community garden a few years ago and it’s just blossomed since then – we’ve even got a science garden used by students in lessons such as biology.

“Chris Eastman manages the garden for us and works on it with members of the community and groups of our students.”

Lynne Oldham, of Sandgate School, Sandylands, was also proud to be joint winner in the schools category.

“We’re a special needs school and most of the work was done by our pupils along a Commonwealth theme, so we’re delighted,” she said.

ALL THE WINNERS

Schools Challenge: Stramongate, Dean Gibson, Sandgate; Best Floral Display: Mrs Lewis; Communal: Queen Katherine School; Yards: Marvic Court; Sustainable Garden: Jane Willis; Domestic Garden: Mrs Dickinson; Allotment Newcomer: Mrs Kok; Allotment Plots – Best Plots per Site: Canal Head: Mr Forsyth; Castle Drive: Mrs Thwaite; Castle Haggs: Mr Banks; Castle Haggs Ext: Mrs Brambles; Coley Barn: Mr Dent; Crow Tree: Mr Hodgson; Greenside: Mr Maberly; Natland: Mr Preston; Rinkfield: Mr Bryson; Sandylands: Mr Sarginson; Sedbergh Road: Miss Flannagan; Shaws Brow: Mr and Mrs Everett; Town View: Mr Graham; Underley Hill: Mrs Palmer; Underley Road: Mrs Cassel; Wattsfield: Mr Houlsworth; Best Allotment Site: Castle Drive; Commercial: Riflemans Arms; Mayor’s Special Award: Horticare.