GARDENERS across the county have reaped the benefits of their hard work at this year’s Cumbria in Bloom awards.

The annual ceremony, which took place at Tithe Barn in Carlisle, was attended by dozens of groups, schools and individuals, with the awards handed out by the High Sheriff and the Deputy Lieutenant for Cumbria, along with others.

There was plenty of success for Workington, Maryport and Seaton - with several trophies picked up in recognition of the many hours of dedication by those involved.

In the schools section, St Michael's CE Primary, in Bothel, were joint winners for edible gardening. The school was also rated outstanding in the schools gardening category.

In the same section, certificates were also handed to Ashfield Nursery and Infant, Bridekirk Devenby School, Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery and Victoria Infant and Nursery schools.

Amathea Residential Home, Workington, was runner-up for Best Residential Home prize.

The Continental Landscape Trophy was awarded to Bothel Village Hall.

Aspatria won the Best Small Town prize as well as being awarded a Silver Gilt for the Pride in Your Community section.

In the same category, Silver Gilt medals were also handed to Workington, Maryport and Seaton.

Outstanding in the RHS It's Your Neighbourhood Award were Solway Court Community Garden Group, Seaton Allotment Association, Maryporters - Train Station, Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenants and Residents Association and Bothel In Bloom Village Hall.

In the same section, the following groups were rated as thriving: Staff at Harbourside Caravan Park and Marina, Maryport; South Workington Youth Partnership; Senhouse Roman Museum Gardening Volunteers; Friends of Harrington Nature Reserve; Bankfield Day Services, Workington.

Workington Heritage Group was rated advancing.

Cumbria in Bloom Tourism awards were handed to The Galloping Horse in Harrington, The Trout Hotel in Cockermouth, the Washington Central in Workington and the Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport.

Colin Cheyne, chairman of Cumbria in Bloom said: “I’d like to thank all those who have taken part this year.

“Each of our entrants take pride of their part of the county, and it’s heartwarming to see.”

More than 150 visitors attended the ceremony.