A CROFT couple say they are ‘made up’ after their garden was named the best in the village.

Green-fingered Beverley and Tony Moran, of Millhouse Lane, won the top accolade for ‘most attractive and best kept garden’ in the Croft in Bloom competition.

The couple’s garden, which is blooming with wildflowers, sunflowers and cottage garden flowers, was nominated by a passer-by and was the favourite of the independent judge.

Tony said: “We’re made up. We didn’t know anything about the competition until someone nominated us out of the blue so it came as a shock.

“We would like to thank the person who picked us. It means a lot to us.”

Beverley and Tony were presented with two hanging baskets by Mike Parker from Bents garden centre, which supported the competition this year.

Mike said: “The Croft in Bloom competition is a great community event and we were delighted to be involved.

“The garden is where it all began for Bents, with Alfred and Margaret Bent’s passion for growing and selling roses from their own front garden just yards from our current location.

“It’s great to be involved with a competition that recognises the passion and efforts of other local gardeners.”

The village competition is organised by Croft Parish Council.

Clr Merril Cummerson said: “Croft is looking fantastic and we’d like to thank all our residents for putting so much effort into their gardens and helping to keep the village looking colourful and attractive.”

Clr Chris Vobe added: “It was great to see so many nominations.

“People in the village take a great deal of pride in their environment and we are very grateful to the team at Bents for sponsoring this year’s prize.”