Posted 13th Oct 2005

Garden lover, Shirley Walker from Penwortham, has won a special prize for excellence in the New Progress gardening competition. Her specially adapted wheelchair garden so impressed judges in the competition, that it scooped her the £100 grand prize.

Neighbour David Shaw, worked tirelessly alongside Shirley to create a stunning ornamental garden complete with fountain feature, fruit trees and specially adapted flowerbeds and patios.

Shirley celebrated alongside other winners at an Awards Ceremony at New Progress Head Office including green-fingered Mr Lowe from Leyland who carried off first prize for his stunning display of containers and hanging baskets.

Mr Proudfoot (pictured left) impressed judges in the communal garden section for another year with his outstanding gardening efforts at his sheltered home in Longton. At 93 years, Mr Proudfoot has finally decided to hang up his gardening gloves so his win was made especially poignant.

Keen gardener Mr Scahill, also from Penwortham, received first prize in the small garden section, and Mr Eccles from Whitestake, wowed judges in the large garden section. Mrs Sandra Morrby from Penwortham achieved first prize in the communal gardens section.

All the winners and runner-ups received gardening vouchers and certificates in recognition of their hard work from New Progress's Chief Executive, Jacqui de Rose at the celebration event in September.