WHALLEY’S ‘Lavender Ladies’ founded three years ago are growing, blooming and blossoming in the village and its historic abbey grounds.

With two sets of ‘Britain in Bloom’ awards in the bag and fingers crossed for a third, the group of 10 female gardeners have been blessed by the Bishop of Blackburn Julian Henderson.

Now as well as looking after the village’s public planters, pots and hanging baskets, the group keep the grounds of the ruined medieval Whalley Abbey bright and beautiful.

Every fortnight they tend the kitchen/peace garden and border at the former medieval Cistercian monastery.

This has brought them their nickname after the Lavender wheelbarrow at the grounds’ entrance filled with the plant which signifies love, purity, tranquillity and spiritual healing.

The group, founded in 2011, as part of the Whalley in Bloom Community Group helped the village win gold awards in its first year, a silver gilt award in the second and have been nominated for the third year running in the North-West regional category of ‘Britain in Bloom’.

Even having to replant a new Lavender wheelbarrow after the original was stolen an emptied a few weeks ago has not dampened their enthusiasm.

Organiser Penny Robinson-Kerr said: “We are growing and blooming. We love doing this, making good friends and learning so much.”

Colleague Janet Duckworth said: “We are blossoming. It was lovely to be recognised by the Bishop for what we enjoy doing at this beautiful building.”

On the banks of the River Calder, the abbey is a Scheduled Ancient Monument owned by the Diocese of Blackburn.

Bishop Julian said: “The work done by The Lavender Ladies is much appreciated and helps to keep the beautiful ruins and nearby house looking at their very best."