Mid and East Antrim in Bloom winners and runners-up recognised at awards ceremony in Larne Market Yard
Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Awards winners and runners-up were celebrated at a special ceremony in Larne Market Yard, hosted by the Mayor, Alderman Thomas Gordon.
The competition recognised the outstanding efforts of 19 individuals, schools and community groups who were honoured for their creativity, dedication, and passion for horticulture and biodiversity through the Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Awards.
Winners included Rob Harrison and Marvin Miles from Islandmagee with the ‘Best Kept Front Garden’. The ‘Best Kept Front Container Garden’ winner was Chris Hamill from Whitehead.
The ‘Best Kept Allotment Garden’ winner was Alan Rice from Larne Town Park Allotments, with Charles Shiels Community from Carrickfergus winning the ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ section.
‘Best School Gardening Project’ this year was awarded to Silverstream Primary School in Greenisland, and the Windsor Residents Association from Whitehead won the ‘Best Community Planting Scheme’.
In addition, young gardeners from Larne and Magheramorne grew the tallest sunflowers in the Borough, with the winner measuring over four metres tall.
Wallace Elder from Ahoghill was crowned ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and Daisy and Jack Robinson from Larne were Young Volunteers of the Year. Jenny Hawthorne from Carrickfergus was recognised for her ‘Outstanding Contribution to In Bloom’.
Louisa Dunlop from Larne won the ‘Blooming Creative’ award with her beach sculpture of a mermaid’s tail.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said: “Our ‘In Bloom Community Awards’ are a wonderful way to celebrate the people who make Mid and East Antrim flourish - from the keen gardeners and volunteers to the local schools and businesses.
“Their hard work not only brightens up our streets and neighbourhoods but also enhances wellbeing, encourages biodiversity, and brings our communities closer together.
“I want to thank everyone who took part this year and congratulate our winners and runners-up. Your commitment helps make our borough one of the most beautiful in Northern Ireland.”
The Mayor also praised the ongoing success of the In Bloom campaign, which promotes biodiversity, sustainability, environmental awareness, and community pride across the Borough.
A full list of this year’s winners and runners-up, along with more information about the Mid and East Antrim in Bloom campaign is available at midandeastantrim.gov.uk/inbloom