A KEEN gardener has won an award for his flamboyant flowers and fruits that have helped keep his neighbourhood looking colourful.

Brian Atkinson, 81, has lived in Sturdy Court, Kirkbymoorside, for 15 years and has dedicated the last few years to making the accommodation welcoming to visitors and residents. Now he has been awarded the Yorkshire Housing Good Neighbour Award for his efforts.

He said: “I was brought up gardening with my dad. When I was 20 I managed to get my own vegetable patch growing a selection of vegetables. I must also thank my neighbour Joan who taught me everything she knows about flowers.”

Lucy Jennings, neighbourhood officer, said: “He deserves this award because it is lovely to come to Sturdy Court and see all the flowers, especially in the summer.

"It brightens the day and makes the scheme look welcoming. He puts a lot of time and effort into it for us and I thought he deserved recognition for it.”

James Haigh, community investment manager, said: “He looks out for people and helps out as well. He’s just a really good neighbour for those living at Sturdy Court.”