People with a passion for gardening have been recognised for their efforts in making Sunderland a greener and brighter place through Gentoo's annual gardening competition.

Housing association Gentoo has crowned all the winners of its annual Ready, Set, Grow gardening competition, celebrating the customers, communities and schools making a positive difference to their neighbourhoods – all through gardening.

The competition encourages people to showcase their gardening skills, creativity and commitment to improving outdoor spaces.

This year, awards were presented across five categories – from colourful containers and small spaces to thriving community projects and school gardens.

Best Small Space, Planters and Pots winner and Gentoo customer Lisa Reed pictured with David Rogers, estate operative at Gentoo, and Alan Gordon, neighbourhood estates manager at Gentoo.

placeholder image — Best Small Space, Planters and Pots winner and Gentoo customer Lisa Reed pictured with David Rogers, estate operative at Gentoo, and Alan Gordon, neighbourhood estates manager at Gentoo.

Judges from Gentoo’s housing and estate services teams carefully reviewed the entries, looking for gardens and growing spaces that showcased creativity, pride and a positive contribution to local neighbourhoods.

Each winner was presented with a trophy, certificate and £200 prize to help them continue developing and enjoying their outdoor spaces.

This year’s Best Customer Garden award was presented to Maureen Guy, with the Best Small Space, Planters and Pots award given to Lisa Reed.

The Community Bloom Award was awarded to residents at Albany House, in Monkwearmouth, and students from East Herrington Primary Academy were awarded the Best School Garden title.

Students from East Herrington Primary Academy were awarded the Best School Garden title.

As part of Gentoo’s 25th anniversary celebrations, a special 25 Years Forward: Future Grow Award was launched, recognising projects that inspire future generations through sustainability, learning and environmental stewardship.

The award was presented to students at Houghton Kepier School in recognition of their commitment to sustainability, environmental learning and encouraging future generations to develop gardening and growing skills.

Chris Roberts, director of customer at Gentoo, said: "Every year, our Ready, Set, Grow competition highlights the incredible pride our customers, communities and schools take in their outdoor spaces.

"The standard of entries was exceptionally high and it was inspiring to see the creativity, dedication and community spirit demonstrated by everyone who took part.

"Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who entered.

"From beautiful gardens and colourful planters to thriving community projects and sustainable learning spaces, each entry played a part in making our neighbourhoods greener, brighter and more welcoming places to live."