RESIDENTS in a dale village are “ecstatic” after winning gold in a national In Bloom competition on their first attempt.
Villagers in Ovington entered the Northumbria In Bloom contest for the first time and judges were so impressed with the “community involvement” they have ended up with a gold award in the small village category.
The parish council made the decision to enter after talking about it for a number of years and the whole community got behind the bid for floral excellence.
Parish councillor Peter Levett said: “It was really Nigel Parkes [parish council chairman] who led the way.
“He was so positive and sure we would win something.
“There has been so much support from the village and there has been a massive amount of work done. We were aiming for a silver but getting gold is amazing. We’re led to believe we’re the first to have won gold on their first attempt.”
Judges from Northumbria in Bloom were also suitably impressed with the community involvement and said “the large number of residents involved in the presentation exceeded expectations for a village of this size” .
As well as removing weeds from verges, 25 residents sponsored raised tubs around the village green and colourful plants adorned the village’s signs.
Residents were also presented with The Whickham Award for Best New Entry in the small village category and a £50 cheque when they attended a ceremony at Gateshead last week.
Although they are still celebrating their achievement, the green-fingered residents are already well into planning next year’s display.
Prize money may be spent on either a plaque for the village green announcing the gold award or for more spring flowering bulbs.
Resident Barbara Levett, who accompanied the judges around the village when they visited in August, said: “We know what we need to do to win gold now and they have highlighted areas we need to address. Hopefully we will be looking at doing something at the village hall exterior.”
