RESIDENTS, schools and businesses were commended for their efforts to brighten up an area of Darwen.

People in the Whitehall area have been busy over the past few months, gardening and planting as part of the annual Whitehall in Bloom initiative.

The annual competition, running for the second year, was again organised by local councillors David and Karimeh Foster, John East and Vicky Rothwell.

And during a celebration dinner at the Whitehall Hotel, awards were given out to those judged to be the best across the categories.

Awards were handed out for the best large garden, small garden, school or voluntary group, yard, balcony or patio, community shop or industrial premises, hanging baskets, junior planted themed tub and individual entry.

Coun David Foster said the judges had spent a long time inspecting a high calibre of entries.

He said: “I am very proud of what the community in Whitehall has come together to achieve. It was encouraging to see the schools and nursery involved and a large number of people getting involved.

“The celebration was a very good night and it was all put on for free by the Whitehall Hotel, which just added to the level of community spirit involved in the competition.

“All the winners were richly deserved, but it was difficult to choose between a lot of the entries which were all excellent.”

Town councillor John East said: “It was a fantastic turnout and it was really good to see how the community all pulled together.

“There was a great number of entries and hopefully this event can now continue to grow.”