GARDENERS packed the Burgh Hall for the annual Peebles in Bloom awards recently.

Businesses, community groups and residents across the town were commended for their efforts to brighten up the area at the ceremony.

Photographs of all the nominated gardens were displayed on a screen in a slide show put together by John Swanson.

Lesley Morrison acted as the Master of Ceremonies to ensure the evening went smoothly.

This year, Thomas Gifford, curator of Dawyk Botanic Gardens had the honour of presenting the awards.

Among the winners, The Bridge Inn on Port Brae landed Gold for Business Display; volunteers at Peebles CAN were awarded Gold for Community Garden; and Mr Caven, of Springhill Road, took home the W J Burnside Trophy for Secret Garden. Mrs Frances Murray, of 33 Kingsway was crowned the overall winner.

The town’s community councillors walked the length and breadth of Peebles at the end of July looking for this year’s nominations for front gardens.

Official judging of gardens in all categories took place in early August.

Eric Gilmour, head gardener of Haystoun Estate and Ross Falla, landscape gardener and this year’s Cornet, were left to judge the winners.

Following the presentations, a total of £151.80 was raised through a raffle, and the money will be put towards the cost of holding the event.