Belfast City Council has recognised the green-fingered gardening efforts of local businesses and residents at this year's 'Belfast in Bloom' competition.

Winners and runners-up of the competition were recognised at a special ceremony at Malone House.

Businesses in the hospitality industry were recognised for their environmental efforts through their floral and plant displays. The businesses that received awards include The Errigle Inn, Ten Square Hotel and Granny Annies.

Commercial properties also picked up awards at the ceremony for their planting of shrubs and flowers, the SPAR Malone Road won the 'Best Commercial Premises' award and Union Street won the award for 'Best Commercial Street'.

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Community groups that won awards for their efforts to improve the local environment include Restore Glandore ATC Community Group and Belvoir Area Residents Group (BARG).

Due to its well-tended vegetable pots, flowers, orchard and wildlife pond, Knockbreda Community Wildlife Garden scooped 'Best Community Garden'.

Schools were also recognised for their gardening efforts, the winners include Fane Street Primary School, St John the Baptist Primary School and Dundela Infants School.

Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "Our Belfast in Bloom competition has been running for an incredible 30 years now and we want to thank all the people, community groups and businesses right across the city who have entered over the years and, in particular, this year. Your amazing green-fingered and transformational gardening efforts have continued to make our city blossom and bring a smile to many faces.

"This fine work has wider environmental benefits and is great for nature, whilst also contributing to council’s commitment to tackling climate change.

"Gardening by yourself or with others, as shown through some of these wonderful projects that have won awards this year, is also said to bring important physical and mental well-being benefits.

"Well done to all the winners and runners-up of Belfast in Bloom 2023 and thanks for your fantastic work and efforts in making Belfast bloom year after year!"