Despite the miserable summer weather everything has come up roses again in the Clackmannanshire in Bloom competition.

The final round of judging took place on Wednesday 12 August.

The council has extended its thanks and congratulations to everyone who entered the competition.

This year’s overall winner is Harry Brierley of Robertson Street, Alva, who wowed the judges with an impressive floral display and beautifully colourful containers.

The regular judges were joined by Jacqueline McKenna, Stirling University’s Grounds maintenance manager, along with Provost Tina Murphy.

Jacqueline was very impressed with the huge efforts communities have made to improve their open space areas and the good community spirit that was evident in many of the sites visited.

She said: “There was a very high standard throughout and it was difficult to choose a winner.” Provost Murphy added: “The quality of this year’s entries was again impressive.

“Despite the recent challenging weather conditions, we saw many gardens which were really colourful and some particularly lovely containers. It was a pleasure to meet the enthusiastic gardeners.

“I would like to thank all this year’s entrants for their hard work and I look forward to welcoming the winners to the award ceremony.” The competition trophies, certificates and prizes will be presented at a reception hosted by Provost Murphy at Alloa Town Hall on the evening of 6 October.

Prize-winners were: Allotment: 1, Leonard Hadlow, Tillicoultry Allotments; 2, Stephen Graham, Alloa Allotments; 3, Johnston Renton, Tillicoultry Allotments.

Commercial hospitality / tourism: Harviestoun Country Hotel, Dollar Road, Tillicoultry; 2, Castle Campbell, Castle Road, Dollar.

Commercial business: The Orchard Care Home, Lychgate Road, Tullibody.

Floral and floral containers, area winners: Ward one west (Menstrie, Tullibody, Cambus, Glenochil) - Deborah Smith Campbell, 20 Menstrie Place, Menstrie.

Ward two north (Alva, Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton) - Harry Brierley, 21 Robertson Street, Alva.

Ward three central (part/ Alloa, Sauchie, Fishcross) - Leon Jelenski, 6 Burnbrae, Sauchie.

Ward four south (Alloa) - Rhoda Skinner, 131 Claremont, Alloa.

Ward five east (Clackmannan, Dollar, Muckhart, Forestmill, Kennet) - James Breingan, 16 Graham Place, Dollar.

Best floral and floral containers, garden: 1, Harry Brierley, 21 Robertson Street, Alva; 2, James Breingan, 16 Graham Place, Dollar.

Vegetable gardens: 1, Evelyn Dimmer, 11 Kennet Village; 2, Mr David Pearson, 1 Schawpark Avenue, Sauchie; 3, Robert Ramsay, 22 Forthvale, Menstrie. Community garden project: 1, Tillicoultry Community Allotment Area, Chappelle Crescent, Tillicoultry; 2, Delph Pond Forum; 3, Hawkhill Community Group, 132 Hillcrest Drive, Alloa.

School garden projects: 1, Muckhart Primary School; 2, Sauchie Nursery School; 3, Banchory Primary School.

Highly commended school entrants: Coalsnaughton Primary School & Nursery Class, St Bernadette’s Primary School, Tullibody. Special award / floral containers: Harry Brierley, 21 Robertson Street, Alva. Special award wildlife and environment: Joy M Scott, 5 Golf View, Muckhart; 2, Deborah Smith-Campbell / John Stalker, 20 Menstrie Place, Menstrie; 3, Evelyn Dimmer, 11 Kennet Village.

Special award for best newcomer: Sauchie Nursery School.