Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council scooped seven awards at the 2023 Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) Best Kept City, Town, Village and Housing Area Awards.

The council's towns and villages received the following awards:

• Best Kept Large Town - Antrim

• Best Kept Small Town - Randalstown

• Best Kept Small Village - Ballynure

• Best Kept Large Housing Area - Neilsbrook, Randalstown

• 'Best of the Best' winner – Randalstown

• Best Community Achiever – Una Johnston (Toome Community Group)

• Best 'Welcome Award' – Mallusk

The Awards celebrate areas that are taking action to protect and care for their local environment, promoting more sustainable places to live, work and play.

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Judges look for the presence of floral displays, grass roots environmental projects, the absence of litter and graffiti and evidence of community participation in environmental initiatives.

Over 100 representatives attended the ceremony which was organised by NIAC and sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper, said: "I was delighted that our Borough had yet another very successful year and picked up seven awards in this prestigious competition. Our communities are at the heart of these awards and I’m delighted their hard work and reputation for going the extra mile to make their area a more attractive place to live has been recognised.

"Special mention must go to Randalstown for being crowned overall Best Kept Small Town, Best Kept Large Housing Area and the Best of the Best.

"We were thrilled to host this fantastic initiative at Mossley Mill and I thank the Northern Ireland Amenity Council for their wonderful event."