Residents have reaped the rewards of their efforts in a gardening competition.

Winners of the Stockton Borough Council competition were presented with awards at Preston Hall Museum, Eaglescliffe, on Thursday.

The Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Pete Andrew, hosted the award presentation, which included a presentation about the entries.

Barry Hunter, the council's parks officer, said: "More than 20 local gardeners took part in the competition and some of the entries were stunning. The different categories mean that everyone can enter - they do not need a garden."

The winners were:

Best garden, Keith Dobell, Billingham; best pensioner's garden, Mr Ainsley, Fairfield, Stockton; best commercial garden, Rycroft Garage, Stockton; best hanging basket, Mr and Mrs Lambert, Thornaby; best rear yard, Keith Shannon, Billingham; best council house, Keith Jackson, Grange Estate, Stockton; best community effort, St Michael's Court, Stockton.

Meanwhile, gardeners from a Stockton housing estate and its surrounding areas are celebrating after scooping an award in the Northumbria in Bloom competition.

In a joint project, workers, volunteers and residents associated with the St John's Community Initiative transformed Ragworth's secret garden, in the courtyard of the Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, and Primrose Hill's community garden.

It is the first time that the two gardens have been entered for the Best Voluntary Project Award.