GREEN-fingered residents who have helped their communities bloom by creating floral displays have been celebrated at an awards ceremony.

The Wigan Borough In Bloom Thank You event in Hindley celebrated the efforts of people across the borough with 31 groups or individuals with awards.

More than 80 people attended the awards where the Mayor of Wigan Clr Phyll Cullen also presented six awards to outstanding projects or achievements.

Hindley Community Allotments was given a special reward for the best community allotment while residents from Slackey Fold in Hindley Green were awarded The Gallimores Award for most improved community project.

Clr Kevin Anderson, Wigan Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “This was a wonderful event celebrating all the many achievements of our individuals, groups and projects in the borough this year.

“Their success is testament to the depth of gardening talent and community spirit we have in the borough.

“We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to these volunteers who make our borough a much better place to live and work.

“These types of activities really demonstrate our new approach to the way our communities and the Council can work together to deliver on The Deal to the benefit of the whole borough.”