GREEN-FINGERED tenants on a Kidderminster estate have grown competitive - getting their gardens shipshape for a showdown.

Spennells Tenants Consultative Committee organised the friendly garden competition with funding through Area Improvement Money (AIM).

Prizes were awarded for the top three best-established gardens, with winners getting a £50 B&Q voucher and the best newcomers to gardening receiving a £75 voucher to help develop their plots.

The best established gardens winners were Brian Harris, Gary Harris and Chris Lewis, all from Dunlin Drive.

Best newcomers were Mark Kirby, of Dunlin Drive, Agnes Czapla (correct), of Worcester Road, and Lisa and Adam Crook, of Warbler Place.

Diane Shinton, Tenants Consultative Committee chairman, who headed the judging, said: “I am hoping that next year we can encourage even more people to participate.

"You don’t need to be Alan Titchmarsh - it’s something that anyone can try and not only is it a great hobby but it also provides a tranquil retreat to enjoy the sun.”

Another judge, Claire Sawyer, contracts manager at Oakleaf Grounds Services, said: "It is a great opportunity for local residents to showcase their gardens, whilst having a positive effect on the neighbourhood and a nice way to reward the tenants' efforts.”

Other judges were Sam Buckley and Helen Bower from Sainsbury's Kidderminster branch, which donated sunflower seeds for local children to grow a flower.