Celebrating success at the Translink Ulster in Bloom 2019 Awards: Comber claimed third in the Town category and Groomsport claimed third in the Large Village category. Pictured (L-R): Stephen Daye (Ards and North Down Borough Council), Dr Mark Sweeney OBE (Translink Board Member), Bill Keery (Mayor of Ards and North Down), Cllr Frances Burton (President, NI Local Government Association), Peter Gibson (Groomsport in Bloom), Irene Atherton (Comber in Bloom) and Miriam Gibson (Groomsport in Bloom).

Comber and Groomsport have been recognised among Northern Ireland’s top horticultural talent at this year’s Translink Ulster in Bloom competition with both securing prestigious awards at a special ceremony in Newtownabbey.

All 11 local council areas were represented and a record total of 142 entries ensured some strong competition. However, residents in Ards and North Down can hold their heads high as both Comber and Groomsport emerged as award winners in their respective categories.

Comber secured third in the Town category and Groomsport sealed third in the Large Village category – the fifth year in succession that the village has been listed among the top three.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, said: “The awards are a credit to both Comber and Groomsport. The competition is very highly regarded and it helps to instil local pride while also creating awareness of the environment and biodiversity. It encourages cross-community participation and involves people of all ages and abilities.”

The annual horticultural showcase is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association and encourages cities, towns and villages right across Northern Ireland to look their best, boosting civic pride through beautiful plant and floral displays. Areas are judged from July until early August during the key summer period.