COMPETITION was fierce and the standard higher than ever for this year's Ferryhill Allotment Awards.

There was an award for best garden and most improved garden at each site, with winners getting a certificate, free rent for a year and a £15 Thinford Nurseries voucher.

For the first time, there was a prize for the best overall garden and site. Cyril Varty, from Joseph Patterson Crescent, took the individual honours, with Broom the best site.

Councillor Ian Todd, chairman of the civic amenities committee, said: "It was a difficult choice and I only hope that people who haven't got anything this year will work that little bit harder to gain recognition next time."

Mr Varty, who tends his plot with his wife, Lilian, said: "It was a big surprise, but I'm very pleased because I spend a lot of time down there."

The winners were:

Paxton Street: Best, Cyril Varty; most improved, Joan Armstrong. East End: Best, Sid Gaskill; most Improved, Marion Doughty. Mainsforth Row: Best, Linda Harris; most improved, William Ridley. Broom: Best, Frederick Trotter; most improved, George Gargett. Chapel Row: Best, Andrew Bain; most improved, Brian Fairless. Feversham: Best, Sylvia Armstrong; most improved, John Wright. Storehouse: Best, Donald Simpson; most Improved, Dorothy Hackworth.