REDCAR and Cleveland Borough Council is to give the tiny East Cleveland village of Stanghow a great Christmas present this year.

In recent years, Stanghow has won the Northumbria in Bloom small village category a record five times and Britain in Bloom twice, all at gold medal level.

Now the village has been invited to participate in the international Communities in Bloom competition, organised from Canada.

I am delighted to report that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is recognising the village’s achievements by sponsoring Stanghow in the international competition.

Things would be difficult without the council’s help because there is a £677 entry fee and two international judges will have to be accommodated locally for a couple of nights.

As borough councillor for Stanghow, I thank the council for its generosity and have every confidence that the village will succeed internationally, just as it has done nearer to home.

What has been achieved in the Lockwood Ward in the floral stakes, not only by Stanghow, but by Lingdale and Moorsholm, brings tremendous credit to east Cleveland and to the whole of our area.

Steve Kay, Lockwood ward councillor.