School in Penwortham win Britain in Bloom award for third time

Gardens at a school in Penwortham have been recognised as the best in the northwest.

Penwortham Priory Academy’s gardens have been mentioned as leading the way for schools in the UK, thanks to gardener Chris Farron.

They won the Schools Award from the Britain in Bloom North West competition for the third time.

The academy won the award in 2016, 2023 and now 2024. It’s also the second time they have been presented with the Seedley and Langworthy in Bloom School Awards.

Mr Farron and Principal Matt Eastham attended the North West in Bloom Award Ceremony at the Bolton Stadium Hotel.

Mr Farron said: “It’s humbling to be honest. The competition is always very fierce and when the Head Judge made the introduction about the winner, I wondered who this person was not expecting it to be me!

“It was funny as I heard someone say: “It’s the chap who won it last year’ and then someone followed it with ‘He won it the year before as well!’

“He praised us as the best school in Lancashire and the North West and he said even in the country. I felt a bit giddy with that! I am obviously delighted to win these awards, especially for the school”.

Priory won both awards last year.

Bernard Pendleton, Chairman and Judge said: “What Mr Farron has achieved is outstanding and the support from the Head and other colleagues is amazing.

“I think the school grounds, curriculum and community-associated links are wonderful and the school is leading the way locally, regionally and probably in the UK, well done and what’s more “it’s the garden that keeps on giving.”

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