Last updated 15:05, Friday, 05 September 2008

WINNERS of the 2008 Cumbria in Bloom competition received their awards at a ceremony at Houghton Hall Garden Centre, Carlisle on Thursday and it was good news for Distington.

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Blooming terrific

But Whitehaven wasn’t among them having withdrawn from this year’s contest. The large town section (Marchon Trophy), which it usually enters, was this year won by Kendal who attained silver-gilt, with Carlisle runner-up with a silver. No golds were awarded.

Distington did well, collecting three awards, including the Best in Borough, the Copeland Shield. Nether Wasdale and the Orchard Court sheltered accommodation development at Whitehaven were also cited.

Towns, villages and hamlets throughout the county, were judged during July against national criteria, in categories determined by population. In all 49 communities received medals.

Copeland communities among the winners were: Best in Borough (Copeland Shield), Distington. Commercial section (Lakeland Ltd Trophy) runner-up, Church Stile Caravan Park, Nether Wasdale. Young Person’s Trophy (Doreen Parsons) for best project by youngsters: runner-up, Distington. Best Hamlet (Holmes of Natland Nurseryman’s Trophy): runner-up with silver-gilt, Nether Wasdale. Best large village (National Park Trophy), runner-up with silver-gilt, Distington (won by Kirkby Stephen). Merit in RHS Neighbourhood awards, Orchard Court, Whitehaven.

Medal awards: Distington, Nether Wasdale (both silver-gilt); Workington, Cockermouth and Keswick (all silver); Bootle and Bootle Station, Haverigg and Millom (all bronze).