Residents recognised for contribution to blooming brilliant Mid and East Antrim
Wednesday 29 October 2025
Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Awards winners and runners-up were recently celebrated at a special awards ceremony in Larne Market Yard, hosted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford.
The annual competition once again recognised the outstanding efforts of individuals, schools, community groups, and local businesses who help make Mid and East Antrim a brighter, cleaner, and greener place to live.
A total of 19 award winners were honoured for their creativity, dedication, and passion for horticulture and biodiversity this year.
The Mayor said: “Our In Bloom Community Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the people who make Mid and East Antrim flourish - from keen gardeners and volunteers to local schools and businesses.
“Their hard work not only brightens up our streets and neighbourhoods, but also enhances wellbeing, encourages biodiversity, and brings our communities closer together.
“I want to thank everyone who took part this year and congratulate our winners and runners-up. Your commitment helps make our Borough one of the most beautiful in Northern Ireland.”
The Mayor also praised the ongoing success of the In Bloom campaign, which promotes sustainability, environmental awareness, and community pride across the Borough.
‘Best Kept Front Garden’ winner was Alison McCullagh from Gracehill. The ‘Best Kept Front Container Garden’ winner was Lynda Hill from Larne.
The ‘Best Kept Allotment Garden’ winner was Sharon Thoburn from Eden Allotments, and the ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ winner was Sasha McVey from Glenarm.
The ‘Green Fingers’ Gardening Group in Portglenone won the ‘Best Community Planting Scheme’ award and Ballycairn House in Ballygally won the ‘Best Commercial Premises award’.
‘Best School Gardening Project’ this year was awarded to Cambridge House Grammar School in Ballymena. In addition, young gardeners from Ahoghill and Larne grew the tallest sunflowers in the Borough and Class LSC2 Dunclug College specialist provision won the ‘Blooming Creative’ award.
John Small from Ahoghill was crowned ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and Jimmy McKay from Magheramorne was recognised for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to In Bloom’.
See more pictures of the winners and runners-up on our Facebook page.