IAN Sloan from Prestwick has just picked up South Ayrshire Council’s Best Kept Garden Award for the second year running.

The Prestwick resident's garden wowed the judges with colourful displays, pristine lawns, and imaginative hanging baskets. It was a close run competition, but once again his garden ticked all the boxes securing him the Dobbies silver salver trophy as the Overall Best Kept Garden Winner.

Ian could not be at the ceremony but when he collected his trophy and £100 Dobbies voucher soon after, he commented: “I am thrilled that I have once again been selected as the overall winner. This year I grew some new varieties of flowers which added more colour and introduced hanging baskets and other new features. 

“It's wonderful to be given an award for all the hard work that has gone into growing the plants then planting them and even although the weather this year wasn't kind to us, the flowers have kept blooming.”

New for 2016 was the Provost’s Trophy for Best Allotment, which was won by Mrs Stephanie Peaker who was rewarded for her efforts with the trophy and a £100 voucher from Frasers Garden Centre of Dundonald.

Councillor John McDowall, Sustainability and Environment Portfolio Holder for the Council said: "Once again, the standard of entries was very high and I know the judges from Dobbies and Frasers were really impressed. Our gardens not only bring us joy but a splash of colour can lift communities. I would like to thank everyone who entered the competition, you can be very proud of your efforts.”

Depute Provost of South Ayrshire, Mary Kilpatrick said: “I was delighted that the best allotment award was added to the competition this year. We should be growing more fruit and vegetables and the Council has invested £100,000 in allotments to help this ambition. Mrs Peaker impressed the judges with the quality of her produce and I am sure she will encourage others to have a go and grow their own.”