The hard work and dedication of gardeners across the borough were honoured once again at the grand ceremony of the Ealing in Bloom Awards.

From large allotments, to balconies, a team of judges recognised the most stunning gardens at Ealing Town Hall last night.

Winners of the 18 categories were presented with an award and prize money by Ealing mayor Khamaljit Dhindsa.

The trophy awarded to the Red Lion pub in St Mary’s Road, South Ealing, for best licensed premises was particularly poignant for landlord Jonathan Lee, who accepted the award with his daughter Virginia.

He said it was a tribute to his wife Victoria who died after losing a 12 year battle with cancer in June. She had been the driving force behind the impressive pub garden.

Mr Lee said: “It’s especially nice to win this year. It honours her memory.”

Virginia said her mother would have been delighted with the trophy, adding: “The first time we won it we’d only been at the pub a couple of years. It was like she’d won an Oscar. She came into the pub with it and everyone was cheering.”

She said the awards helped build a ‘village atmosphere’, a strong sense of community which her mother loved having come from the country.

The judge’s special award went to Meadow House Hospice in the grounds of Ealing Hospital, which also picked up the prize for best commercial premises.

Health care assistant Margaret Levy, said: “We’re absolutely delighted. It’s a wonderful way of highlighting the joy the garden brings’, it’s a beautiful garden.”

The garden is managed by staff and volunteers, including people receiving care from the West London Mental Health Trust next door.

Ms Levy added: “It’s a sanctuary for patients and their relatives, a little oasis.”

Other first place winners included Belvue Special School which took the schools’ trophy, Sharon Morrish in the front gardens competition, Bruni de la Motte for best improved garden, Bernard Avenue in Northfields in the neighbourhood award Debbie Fogerty in the small allotment plot competition, Edna Hischer in the small back gardens competition and Linda and John Shinton for their large back garden.

It is the 25th competition run by the Ealing in Bloom Committee since the independent body took it over from the council in 1989.

Committee chairman councillor Nigel Sumner, said: “Everyone really enjoys having a competition. We couldn’t do it without them and the loyalty of the sponsors who support us every year.”