A Ribble Valley hotel has scooped a top award in this year's North West in Bloom contest.

The Gibbon Bridge Hotel, in Chipping, took first place in the best large hotel class in the competition, run by the Tidy Britain Group, for the fifth year running.

Janet Simpson, the hotel's proprietor, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this award for the fifth consecutive year. The hard work of the staff and ground staff has paid off. The grounds are immaculate and we are very proud to get this award."

Clayton-le-Woods won an environmental award for efforts to preserve and protect the countryside. Other East Lancashire winners were Chipping, the second runner-up in the best large class, and Ramsbottom, which took the second runner-up place in the best small country town class.

The winners from across the North West were announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor Park, Chester, which was attended by almost 200 guests. Chester MP Christine Russell presented the awards.

David Smith, regional director of the Tidy Britain Group, said: "The standard of the competition continues to be extremely high with a true partnership between local authorities, the private sector and the community.

"We are particularly pleased to have more new entries this year, taking the competition total to more than 85. All our entries have worked particularly hard and have achieved these high standards."

North West in Bloom is part of the national Britain in Bloom competition, which aims to encourage a more beautiful Britain.