A YORK community’s first-ever garden competition has named its six of the best after judges gave their verdicts.

The contest, organised by Foxwood Residents Association, saw 23 entrants show off their gardens, with the panel being led by horticulturalist, Askham Bryan College lecturer and Radio York broadcaster Nigel Harrison.

The first prize of £100, sponsored by the association, went to Sylvia Fishwick of Otterwood Lane, with Vera Simpson of Tedder Road claiming £50 of Barnitts vouchers for second place.

Containers sponsored by Deans Garden Centre, Joseph Rowntree Housing Association and Accent Foundation Ltd went to Sarah Stables of Foxwood Lane and Dorothy Higgins of Stirrup Close, while Mei Bates of Pheasant Drive won a £25 prize for using items which would otherwise be discarded for her garden.

A discretionary judges’ prize was also awarded to Jess Souttar of Linnet Way, and Shirley Gumley, who chairs the residents association, said: “This was the first time we had organised anything like this and we were pleasantly surprised by the number of entries, so the judges are looking forward to the 2014 competition and hope to see many more residents taking part.”