TWO well-known hostelries claimed top honours in the Saddleworth In Bloom contest organised by Saddleworth Parish Council.

The Old Original at Scouthead and the Old Bell Inn, Delph, shared the best blooming pub award.

The competition was judged by vice chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr Barbara Beeley, Cllr Pat Lord, Mrs Norma Gregory, representing the chairman’s charity committee and Matthew Suett, greenspace officer (landscape management) from Oldham Council, whose professional knowledge provided invaluable guidance to the judging panel.

Winners: Small Garden: Steven Morrison, Greenfield and Charina Dwayre, Springhead (joint winners).

Medium Garden: William Dean and Eileen Lovsin, Dobcross

Large Garden:Susan and David Haines, Grasscroft

Container Garden: Ann Smith, Dobcross

Community Garden:Outram Mews, Uppermill

Best Blooming Pub: The Old Original, Scouthead and The Old Bell, Delph (joint winners)

Highly Commended:

Small Garden Chrissy Foy, Greenfield

Medium Garden: Dr Eamon & Pauline O’Daly, Uppermill

Large Garden: Nicola Jeffrey-Sykes, Uppermill

Best Blooming PubThe Cross Keys, Uppermill

Commended:

Small Garden:Fiona Turner, Greenfield

Medium Garden: Julie Cohen, Diggle

Large Garden: Glynis Bruce, Denshaw and Tom Adamson, Grasscroft

Container Garden:Pam Lord, Uppermill and Josie Campbell, Uppermill

Community Garden: Ann Coude, Greenfield

Best Blooming Pub:The Three Crowns, Scouthead

A council spokesman said: “The standard of entries was very high and the judges’ decision had not been easy. The Parish Council would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone for supporting the competition.”