THE enthusiasm and hard work of everyone at both St Andrew’s Infant School and Highfield South Farnham, has been worth it after being crowned winners at this year’s Farnham in Bloom Awards.

Farnham Town Council held the special celebration to thank members of the community for making the 2016 Farnham in Bloom campaign such a success.

During the afternoon, children from local schools gathered to hear how they had fared in competitions such as the best upside down tomato, best school garden and tallest sunflower.

The schools’ awards were followed by the community awards, which were attended by around 100 guests.

The Mayor of Farnham, John Ward said: “Hundreds of children from nearly 20 schools and nurseries got involved in this year’s campaign making it one of the best supported yet. We have received some really positive feedback about the children’s enthusiasm for learning outside and improving their environment.”

The best examples of horticultural achievement were celebrated with the presentation of prizes and certificates by the Deputy Mayor of Farnham, the lead councillor for Farnham in Bloom and representatives from the sponsors BBS Ltd, Squire’s Garden Centre, Forest Lodge Garden Centre and the Patio Black Spot Removal Company.

Highfield South Farnham was awarded the Special Award for its outstanding exterior space. Headteacher Gregory West commented: “We are hugely proud of the pupils achievement and delighted that their efforts were recognised at the Farnham In Bloom Awards.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed being part of the competition and it was lovely to see them so involved and enthusiastic. We very much look forward to being part of next year’s competition.”

They also received bronze for their scarecrow, were Very Highly Recommended in the Hanging Baskets competition and were awarded silver in the Flower in a Boot competition.

St Andrew’s School walked away with gold in the Hanging Baskets section, as well as winning Best Scarecrow, which was modelled on Mr Twit to celebrate 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl, and for their sunflower in the Tallest Sunflower section. They also received silver in the Best School Garden competition.

“Everyone really pulled together with the planting, watering and weeding and it showed,” highlighted school members.

“The real surprise was silver for Best School Garden, the judges loved being shown round by the children and finding more and more plants every time they turned a corner.

“The children had chosen many of the plants in the playground, including many they could eat, so this year there was an abundance of lettuce, tomatoes and plenty of strawberries.

“We also got a regional award, a Certificate of Excellence from South and South East in Bloom, bringing the haul to no less than five awards.”

As well as prizes being awarded to winners of the Allotments and Secret Gardens competition, a number of surprise awards were also announced. Lilian and Peter Richardson won the Secret Gardens Judges’ Award and Donald Larry was crowned Gardener of the Year.

The Mayor’s Special Award was presented to John Ely who was described as having ‘gone the extra mile for Farnham’.

Over a number of years, John has been involved in a variety of projects including litter picking, bulb planting and developing the Heath End Gardeners’ project.

The full list of award winners can be seen at www.farnham.gov.uk/bloom.