Gardening groups who have helped to make a coastal town's surroundings a cleaner and greener place have had their efforts recognised.

The efforts of 16 groups and dozens of people from the Lowestoft area were recognised with the award of a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) certificate.

At a special presentation evening at the Coast Bar and Restaurant in Corton Village last Thursday, Brian Thornton - organiser of the 'It’s Your Neighbourhood' scheme - outlined the fundamentals and stressed that it wasn't all about flowers and planting but also about environmental issues such as water conservation and composting.

Lowestoft Journal: Peter Caldecott presenting the Walmer Road certificate at the presentation ceremony.Peter Caldecott presenting the Walmer Road certificate at the presentation ceremony. (Image: Mick Howes)

With community participation an important element of the scheme, he said: "Groups taking part receive an annual visit from an It’s Your Neighbourhood assessor who provides constructive feedback and support.

"The scheme is non-competitive, and each group receives a framed certificate reflecting its achievement.

"The RHS set up the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' Scheme as part of the Britain in Bloom campaign and to give these unsung gardening heroes some recognition.

"These people in Lowestoft and the surrounding area are making a huge difference to the town."

These groups of volunteers work tirelessly on a regular basis, clearing litter, planting trees, shrubs, bulbs and more to generally improve areas of neglect.

With certificates graded 1-5 - with five the highest - they were awarded to: The Laurels Care Home, Pakefield Churchyard, East Coast College Garden Project, Walmer Road, Gunton Community Hall, Dip Farm, Garden Angels, Corton Woods Project, Friends of Kensington Gardens, YMCA Shine Allotment, St Margaret’s Allotment, Corton in Bloom, Pathways Care Farm, Harleston House, Bonds Meadow Community Association and Whitton Court.

Peter Caldecott presented the group's with their certificates as 70 members attended the presentation ceremony, which included a talk by Geoff Stevens about Pathways Care Farm.

Lowestoft Journal: Geoff Stevens from Pathways Care FarmGeoff Stevens from Pathways Care Farm (Image: Mick Howes)

If any groups, large or small, would like more information, call Brian Thornton on 01502 517778 or email brian.thornton6@mypostoffice.co.uk