A grandmother-of-four has spoken of her joy after her front garden was judged the best in Redbridge.

Peggy Ludlow, 85, of The Avenue in Wanstead, scooped first prize in the category at the Redbridge in Bloom Awards 2013.

The retired former radiographer told the Guardian: "When I found out I'd won I was most surprised, but very pleased.

"I try to have a bit of colour in the garden in all seasons, not just the summer.

"So I like to plant things like crocuses so it carries on throughout the year."

Ms Ludlow said she believed the secret to a good garden was "hard work" and praised the look of others in the area.

She said: "There are some very nice ones in Grove Park, and the garden by the Corner House [Allan Burgess Centre] in Wanstead High Street is also very admirable.

"But it is sad to see so many front gardens in Wanstead paved over for parking spaces and I hope that trend won't continue".

A spokesman for Redbridge Council, which has been running the awards for eight years, said judges awarded marks for colour, condition and quality of plants as well as the layout and overall impact, while also looking out for imaginative displays.

Other winners included the Prince of Wales in Green Lane, Ilford, which was honoured in the best pub category and Stoneleigh Court in Clayhall for best sheltered housing display category.

South Park Primary School in Ilford won best School Gardening Project.

Cllr Ashok Kumar, cabinet member for culture and leisure ,said: “I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in this year's Redbridge in Bloom competition. 

"This competition, which always attracts very high quality entries is a great way of celebrating everyone's efforts to make Redbridge look attractive for both residents and visitors."

An awards ceremony honouring the winners will be held on Thursday September 26 at Valentines Mansion in Ilford.