The Mayor of Douglas Councillor Ritchie McNicholl has been praising gardeners in the town for their horticultural skills.

Speaking at the awards presentation for Douglas in Bloom 2010, he congratulated entrants on their outstanding displays and 'green-fingered' talents, and highlighted the exceptional efforts made by schools in the borough.

Councillor McNicholl's sentiments were echoed by parks superintendent Kevin Bott who added his thanks to the schools for their involvement, which had contributed to Douglas securing the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Young People's Award 2010.

This year's Douglas in Bloom event attracted a record 75 entries and featured an expanded number of categories, two of which, Best Public/Community Garden and Conservation, Wildlife and Biodiversity were won by Ballakermeen High School and Ballaquayle Infants School respectively. Both schools received a ?100 cash prize sponsored by Scottish Widows.

The company said it was pleased to recognise the schools' efforts as they complemented Scottish Widows' commitment to supporting young people in the Island, notably through the its 'Book Buddies' volunteer reading scheme, aimed at raising literacy standards, and its long-standing partnership with the Henry Bloom Noble Library.

Leisure services committee chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts said: 'In horticultural terms 2010 has proved a memorable year for Douglas, not only for winning a Britain in Bloom Silver-Gilt medal and a discretionary award, but also for attracting so many gifted gardeners to Douglas in Bloom, a competition that has revealed some truly remarkable talent and commitment from all sectors of the community'.

New for 2010 was the awarding to each category winner of a Douglas in Bloom wall plaque, crafted in wood by the Manx Workshop for the Physically Disabled.

Overall Douglas in Bloom 2010 winner was Mrs Valerie Larkin of 36 Cullyn Path, Douglas.

Other winners were: Hotels and guest houses without gardens, 16 Belmont Terrace, Mrs G Dentith; Hotels with gardens,
Baldwin Guest House, 1 Laureston Terrace. Mrs I Killey; Private houses with gardens, 17 Murrays Road. Mrs A Cowin; Business Premises, Shoprite, Centre House; Pub/Restaurant/Cafe, British Hotel; Public/Community garden, Ballakermeen High School; Best residential area, Grosvenor Road; Best Council property, 36 Cullyn Path. Mrs V Larkin;
Conservation, Wildlife and Biodiversity, Ballaquayle Infants School; Secret Garden, Cordailys, Little Switzerland. Mr and Mrs Corkish.