Great-grandma scoops Rotherham's best garden award

Jacqui Phillipson (65) caught the gardening bug as a child and her first ever competition entry has seen her finish as overall winner in an contest for council tenants.

Karen King, of Bramley, took second prize in the 2010 Rotherham competition and Maltby’s Michael and Patricia Allen finished third.

The tallest sunflower topped nine feet and nine inches, grown by Susan Horner, of Wharncliffe Flats.

The competition was held in each of Rotherham’s seven assembly areas—Wentworth North, Wentworth South, Rotherham North, Rotherham South, Wentworth Valley, Rother Valley South and Rother Valley West.

Prizes were awarded in two categories—under-60s and over-60s, plus the new sunflower category.

The winner of each category won £50 and was entered into a borough-wide Best in Show category, with the overall winner receiving an extra £100.

The winner of the tallest sunflower category won £25.

Category winners for the under-60 years category: Peter Wright, Thrybergh; Kimberley Evans, Swinton; Peter Carr, East Dene; Karen King, Bramley; John Smalley, Woodsetts; Kevin Tyler, Catcliffe.

Category winners for over-60s: Jacqueline Phillipson, Thrybergh; Emma Flannery, Swinton; Tony Willmott, Broom; Garth and Ute Holmes, Kimberworth Park; Michael and Patricia Allen, Maltby; William Jones, Laughton; Terence Abbott, Thurcroft.

Mick Lunn, 2010’s environmental trainee supervisor, co-ordinated the judging with Tony Booth from Streetpride.

He said: “This year we have had entrants come from all over the borough, we can also see how our previous entrants have raised the standard of their gardens and motivating fresh talent to take part.

“I would encourage more and more tenants to enter the competition who haven't done so before.”