Colourful Hilllingdon is best in London

HILLINGDON won a series of awards at the London in Bloom 2011 event on Friday.

The borough maintained its reputation for the quality of its parks and gardens as it was crowned overall winner of the Large City category.

It retained the silver gilt award for a third year.

First place for the London Small Park award went to the Norman Leddy Memorial Gardens in Grange Road, Hayes. This is the second year running the 'secret garden' behind the Beck Theatre has topped this category.

Second places were awarded to Hill House in the Best London Allotment category and Eastcote Gardens in the Best Community Gardens category.

Cranford Country Park won the bronze award for Country Park of the Year.

London in Bloom began more than 40 years ago and aims to promote horticulture and gardening in the capital.

Entries were judged in July and winners announced at an award ceremony at City Hall in London.