GARDENERS who managed to produce fabulous flowers, lavish lawns and beautiful borders despite the disappointing summer have been honoured.

Tenants from Chester-le-Street-based Cestria Community Housing have been showing off their horticultural skills during the association’s annual gardening competition, which this year included categories for best yard, vegetable plot and young gardener.

This year’s winners were presented with certificates and prizes by board member Councillor Tracie Smith and Cestria Board vice-chair Vera Codling during a ceremony at Beamish Park Golf Club.

Ms Codling said: “Once again we were extremely impressed with the number and quality of entries in this year’s competition.

“Despite the summer not proving as warm as in previous years our tenants have still yielded some fantastic results and it’s great to see the pride that all our entrants take in their own gardens and their communities.

“Their plants, flowers and vegetables have really brightened up the local area and we were pleased to be able to recognise their achievements during our annual award ceremony.”

The winners of the coveted main garden category were Tony and Margaret Webb, who impressed the judges with their colourful and varied display of flowers.