A WORDSLEY man is celebrating a blooming success after his garden was voted best in the borough.

James Street, from Church Road, won overall top prize in Dudley Council’s annual tenants’ gardening competition.

Mr Street impressed judges with a colourful display of flowers, ornamental pond and mixed planting in his pride-and-joy plot.

He said: “I see my garden as another room to my house and spend a lot of time looking after it. I’ve mixed planted my flower beds with flowers, greenery and vegetables so that it can be both beautiful and practical.”

All the winners in this year's competition will receive their prizes at an awards event in October, which will also include an auction in aid of the Mayor’s charities, The Thomas Pocklington Trust, Acorns Children’s Hospice and The Alzheimer's Society.

Councillor David Simms, Dudley cabinet member for housing, said: “This year has been yet another good year for the garden competition, with a high standard of entrants.

“It seems that we have many tenants in the borough who take great pride in the appearance and up keep of their garden.

“The categories of hanging basket, balcony and communal garden just go to prove that you do not need a big space to make an impact upon your surroundings.”

Other winners of this year’s competition include: south area hanging basket/container - Collin Pearson from Brierley Hill, best kitchen/vegetable garden - Tony Rose from Brierley Hill, best balcony - Brian Marsh from Brierley Hill and best young gardener (under 25) - Diana Ganha from Brierley Hill.