ENTHUSIASTIC volunteers have reaped the rewards from lovingly restoring the Waveney Centre's garden in Beccles.The day centre for retired people has clinched the title of best community garden in this year's Pride in Beccles competition.

ENTHUSIASTIC volunteers have reaped the rewards from lovingly restoring the Waveney Centre's garden in Beccles.

The day centre for retired people has clinched the title of best community garden in this year's Pride in Beccles competition.

Overlooking the River Waveney, the garden has been in place at its current position for 20 years, but 17 months ago it was cleared and taken back to virtually bare ground.

During the past few months it has been transformed into its present glorious state by volunteers Lynn Blowers and Penny Brooke who have worked many hours in all weathers to provide the bright display for centre users' enjoyment.

Faye Baldry, who helps to run the Waveney Centre in New Market said: “Lynn and Penny have now been joined by two helpers, Ted and Janet and have been given many donations of plants, particularly from the Quaker Hall from whom they have received several cuttings to get the garden going again.

“It is now enjoyed on a daily basis with wonderful views from large patio doors within the centre and when weather permits, from one of several benches dotted around the wheel friendly pathways.”

This years Garden Competition was well supported with 24 gardens entered from Beccles and Worlingham. There was even an entry in a new category, the eco-friendly garden, which the Pride in Beccles Group may establish next year.

Best Garden went to Mr Robins, of Fairmile Close, Worlingham, while special mention was made to Sir John Leman High School for the garden space they have worked on.

Jack Walmsley, mayor of Beccles, presented prizes during a special celebration evening at Beccles Town Hall.

During the ceremony, attendees had the chance to view other prizewinning gardens on a display board, along with photographs of past achievements of Pride in Beccles.

Afterwards light refreshments were served with sandwiches supplied by Food for Thought.

Everyone who entered received a plant from Goose Green nurseries.

The competition was also generously supported by Mills and Goom Organic Gardening Services of Beccles, including the donation of a water butt to the Waveney Centre.

The winners were: gardens front/rear, 1st Prize, G Robins, Fairmile Close, Worlingham; 2nd J Cudlipp, Ballygate; 3rd, J Lim, Ballygate.

Community Garden, 1st Prize,Waveney Centre, New Market; 2nd Abbeyfields, Ravensmere; 3rd Quaker Garden, Smallgate.

Special Mention, Sir John Leman High School

Highly Commended, L Ward, South Road; M Snowling, South Road.