Green fingers have paid off for a Carshalton couple after their front garden was voted the best in London for the second time.

Audrey and Michael Fawcett, of Acre Lane, Carshalton, won the award for Best Front Garden at the London in Bloom competition, while the council’s Benhill Allotments picked up the Best Allotment Award.

Mrs Fawcett said: “We put a lot of time and effort in it and all the hard work had its reward. We had a glorious evening and I think everybody had a lovely time.

“We’ve been in competitions for some years now and gardening is our hobby. We won this award before in 2004.”

The awards were handed out at an event at Twickenham Stadium, where Sutton also picked up a Silver Gilt award overall, its best result in the annual competition since 1991.

Councillor Colin Hall, executive member for environment on Sutton Council, said: “We want Sutton to be a place where people take part and take pride, and the annual In Bloom competition is a brilliant example of how we are making this happen.

“Sutton has some of the best parks you will find anywhere in the capital and our allotments are booming.

“Congratulations to the Fawcetts for their outstanding efforts and also to everyone at Benhill Allotments including our parks department for their superb achievements.”

London in Bloom judges visited the borough during Take Part, Take Pride week in July. They visited Sutton’s three Green Flag award-winning parks, Cheam Park, Oaks Park and The Grove Park, as well as the Stanley Park allotments to see the award-winning lavender fields. They have also been to the Sutton Ecology Centre, Benhill Allotments, Sutton Town Centre, and the Fawcett’s garden.

London in Bloom promotes, supports and encourages horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation across all boroughs and the City of London.

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