GARDENING nuts in Dartford downed tools and scraped the dirt from their nails to receive awards for their horticultural efforts.

Winners of the Dartford Festival Allotments Competition, organised by the Dartford Allotments steering committee, were presented with cups.

The Villages Cup was awarded to Ernie Banks for the best allotment on a site supervised or leased from a town or parish council.

The most prestigious prize, the Borough Shield went to Gerry Defeo, as the overall winner.

Mayor of Dartford councillor Margaret Eaton hosted the event and said she admired the dedication of the allotment holders.

She added: "I am always very impressed by the standards achieved and the quality produced across the whole range of flowers and vegetables grown by allotment holders in Dartford."

For information about becoming an allotment holder, call 01322 343684.