Six winners have been announced in First Choice Homes Oldham's Budding Neighbourhoods 2026 contest, which was built around a Community in Bloom theme.

Jo Penman, of Brierley Avenue in Failsworth, won Best Window Box or Hanging Basket. Nicholas Ring, of Blanche Walk in Oldham, took Best Private Garden, and Chris and Anita Lowe, of Vincent Avenue in Oldham, won Best Communal Garden.

Among community groups, Yuvanis Foundation's Middleton Road won Best Community Centre Garden. Green Thumb Foundation at Hibbert Crescent in Failsworth took Best Community Garden, and OL1 won Best Community Green Space at FCHO's Barker Street Community Centre.

Each winner received a £100 love2shop voucher. The online contest accepted entries from 13th July until 1st September, with judges looking at the care taken over each space, how it looked, involvement from local people, imagination and the benefit to the surrounding area.

Ghazalla Ibqal, FCHO's Project and Partnerships Officer, said: "Many congratulations to all those who have won in this year's competition." She said entries reached a high standard and that residents and groups had taken pride in their outdoor spaces, helping neighbourhoods look their best over the summer. She added that community impact was central to the contest and tied in with FCHO projects to increase flowers and biodiversity.

Mr Ring said: "Gardening is something I take a lot of pride in, so winning this award means a great deal. It's rewarding to see all the hard work recognised."

Paul Jarvis, from Green Thumb Foundation, said: "This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and supporters. We're passionate about creating greener spaces that benefit the whole community."