Green-fingered allotment holders were rewarded for their dedicated work earlier this week.

The Allotments Award Ceremony was held in Loughton on Monday (September 14), with town mayor councillor Judy Jennings handing awards to a number of keen gardeners.

Karen Kenny, president of the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, judged plots from the town’s three allotment sites.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Willingale Road site, Ms Kenny praised overall winner Rosie Partridge, who was awarded Best Allotment in Loughton.

She said: “Rosie’s plot was delightful, well planned and bursting with good quality produce which included fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers that attracted pollinators and other insect life.

“Attention was also paid to the environmental aspects of growing; an altogether example of allotment growing.”

Ms Partridge, who previously won in 2009 and 2014 for her Loughton Potato Ground plot, received a large silver cup and a £25 gardening voucher.

Teresa Witham was runner-up for her “attractive, fun plot with many ingenious plant holders” and Carol Wilkins was winner of the Best Newcomer Award.