Mansfield couple June and Tony Harvey have scooped Mansfield District Council’s Best Kept Garden Award for the second year in a row.

The couple’s colourful floral displays, manicured lawn and environmentally-friendly approach to gardening at their home on the Grange Farm Estate, Mansfield, impressed the judges.

As well as the gold award, they also won £100 in prize money, sponsored by John Sankey.

The winners of the annual competition were announced at the Mansfield BID Garden Festival in Mansfield Market Place.

In second place was Sean Batho, who received a silver gilt award, £50 in prize-money, sponsored by Mansfield District Council, plus afternoon tea for two at Titchfield Teahouse, Mansfield.

Third-placed Mrs Jean Goodall won a silver gilt award and afternoon tea for two at The Teahouse at Carr Bank Park, Mansfield.

Coun Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for the environment at Mansfield District Council, who presented the winners with their certificates, said: “Very well done to all the competitors whose hard work shines through and helps to make Mansfield a beautiful place to be proud of.

“Gardening is such a worthwhile activity and has many health benefits. We hope this competition encourages more people to get their hands dirty to create a greener environment.”

The council’s Parks Development Officer, Andy Chambers, who was on the judging panel, added: “It was so hard to pick a winner because all the entries were of a high standard, but Tony and June’s beautiful garden had the edge.”

The couple will go forward to the East Midlands in Bloom Best Kept Garden competition in 2018, which will be judged as part of Mansfield’s entry in the City Category in July.

The couple started their hobby more than 40 years ago when they were first married.

Entries were scored on a number of criteria, including design and appearance, choice of plants for year-round interest, plants that attract birds and insects, and water conservation.