The annual walk is a long-held tradition whereby councillors walk the length and breadth of the village, making a note of any remedial works to be carried out, such as broken paving stones, overhanging trees or rogue patches of nettles lying in wait for innocent passers-by.

During their perambulation, councillors also make a note of any gardens worthy of being short-listed for the annual competition, the final judging of which is carried out by an experienced team from Greetham Garden Centre, quite often under the watchful eye of the head gardener himself, David Penny.

In accordance with strict guidelines handed down from the Royal National Horticultural Society, the short-listed front gardens are judged on what can clearly be viewed from the pavement.

Where high hedges sometimes prevent a clear view of the hidden treasures growing inside, the judges can use their discretion (and common sense) and judge what can be seen through a gateway.

The irrepressible Mr Penny has no doubt had to rein himself in on occasion, knowing full well that a beautiful vista lies beyond a beautifully manicured privet; if only he could perhaps shin up that telegraph pole for a quick peek ........!

The prize giving ceremony was held at Greetham Garden Centre on Saturday November 1 where the winners received their certificates and National Garden Centre vouchers with the two 'highly commended' entries being awarded Certificates and sage words of advice for next year's competition to be held in the spring.

The parish council would like to thank David Penny and his team for their time and expertise in judging the competition and also for their kind hospitality in hosting the prize giving ceremony.

The winners were: first prize Mr and Mrs Fox, 7 Burley Road; Mr and Mrs Bell, 32 Westland Road; Mr and Mrs Thirsk, 2 Long Meadow Way.
Highly Commended: Mr and Mrs Chester, 5 Wenton Close and Mr and Mrs Bolton, 2 Austhorp Grove.