MALDON gardens have bloomed once more this year and some green-fingered residents have won awards for their efforts.

The Covid-19 pandemic couldn't stop the flowers, fruit and vegetables growing – and during the lockdown, more people have taken to gardening.

Though many business premises and schools were closed due to lockdown, the pandemic didn't stop the Maldon In Bloom team organising a scaled-down competition, nor residents growing a beautiful array of flowers, shrubs, herbs and vegetables in their gardens, at their allotments and in their planters and hanging baskets.

The three competition categories were Best Allotment, Best Front Garden and Best Hanging Basket or Planter, and judges were delighted with the number of people who took part in the competition.

All entrants were awarded a certificate and presentation booklet for their efforts.

Of course, there has been no presentation evening this year to congratulate the winners, so the Maldon In Bloom team have created a keepsake booklet for all involved, kindly donated by Maldon Town Council.

The Maldon in Bloom team would like to thank everyone who participated to help make the competition a great success.

However, it doesn't end there…

A spokesperson for Maldon in Bloom said: "We have already agreed that the theme for 2021will be a traditional Red, White and Blue to celebrate 100 years of the Royal British Legion Organisation, as well as the creation of the Maldon and Heybridge branch."

The competition for 2021 will open in May. Anyone interested in entering next year should keep a check on the Maldon in Bloom Facebook page and Maldon Town Council website here

Gold certificates were awarded to:

Best Front Gardens:

Alison Charleston

David & Judy Aston

Maureen Patient-Saunders

Sylvia Skingley

Queen Victoria Pub - Best in Category

David Banks

Francis Jarvis - Best in Category