RESIDENTS of Hall Carr Estate, Rawtenstall, have ensured their flowers are a cut above the rest.

And green-fingered couple Linda and Ronnie Turner, did so well in the Rawtenstall Neighbourhood Office garden competition, they have been asked to judge the 2000 competition.

The couple won the Best Garden award with their colourful display and received two shields, one they can keep and one they will have for the next 12 months, plus £50.

Judges Jim Porter, Rawtenstall parks manager and Keith Hensby, Rawtenstall and Edgeside Horticultural Society, also awarded prizes for the Best Hanging Basket and Tub Display to Mr and Mrs Armstrong, of Shawfield, and the Most Improved Garden to Mr and Mrs Parkins, of Fallbarn Crescent.

Every house on the estate was automatically entered into the competition, which was sponsored by Rossendale Council, Woolworths, Rawtenstall, Rossendale Dog Training Club, Rolands Florists, Arran Nurseries, Haslingden, Leabrook Nurseries and Kwik Save, Rawtenstall.

Anyone wanting to enter next year's Most Improved Garden, should call Hall Carr estate management officer Mandy Whittaker, on 01706 217777, as soon as possible.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.