A TOWN and one of its schools have won top awards in the North West in Bloom competition.

Colne was voted second runner-up in the Best Large Town category for the third year running at the award ceremony in Manchester on Friday.

And pupils from Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Red Lane, Colne, claimed the top title in the Environmental Awards for Schools category.

Representatives from the Colne in Bloom committee were invited to an awards ceremony at Manchester Town Hall to collect a certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren Smith.

Last year the town scooped two awards, second runner-up in the large town category, along with a special award for the Basil Street Allotments' Grow Your Own project.

The judges came to Colne in July, they were taken on a circular tour of the town, giving scores for its horticultural and environmental achievements.

This visit came just months after complaints were made that flowers in planters in the town centre had been allowed to die, although the committee said that they had reached the end of their growing season.

Councillor Dorothy Lord, Chair of Colne in Bloom, was disappointed that the town did not clinch the top award, she said: "We were very disappointed, we were hoping to at least come second.

"Some towns try year after year to get as far as us and don't make it.

"At least we are getting recognised, which is better than not at all.

"Obviously standards are going up every year, but that is not going to deter us from entering again next year, it just means we will have to work even harder"

Schoolchildren at Sacred Heart RC Primary School won their award after working towards transforming a derelict plot of land into a woodland area for themselves and the local community.

A dry-stone wall has been re-built, pathways created, signposts erected and a huge carved stone teddy bear has been created as the focal point.

Every class made a hanging basket and every child has grown their own fruit or vegetables. With their very own beehive, the children have even produced their own honey.

Headteacher, Peter Cunningham, said: "We are thrilled with this award.

"The whole project has been a fantastic and exciting experience for us all.

"But it is an added bonus for the children's efforts to be recognised in this way."