We're South Ribble in Bloom community winners

Priory's gardener, Mr Farron is enjoying a blossoming trophy collection after winning the South Ribble in Bloom Community Area Category.

The Penwortham Priory Academy gardener picked up the award at South Ribble Borough Council’s Civic Centre in Leyland, before half term, from a host of dignitaries.

This year, Mr Farron has already helped the school win the Best Community Area in Penwortham in Bloom – the second time they have won this. Priory was also highly commended in the Schools Challenge Category.

In 2016, the school won the North West in Bloom Environmental Award for Schools – the first time a school in Lancashire had won it.

Mr Farron, who began working as a volunteer after he retired and now works around 20 hours a week, has transformed Priory over his four years working here, turning unused areas into a herbaceous garden, a Mediterranean garden, a memorial garden and more.

“I am thrilled for the school and for the community,” said Mr Farron. “The gardens are for the students and for those who also use Priory in the evenings and weekends; it’s great to be recognised.

“It’s a proud achievement for everyone connected with Priory and it fits in with our headteacher, Mr Eastham’s vision for Priory to be locally respected and nationally recognised.’