THERE'S a hedge between two green-fingered couples - but judges just couldn't separate them in a best-kept garden contest.

Ian and Lynn Richmond and Tony and Maureen Cooper share plants and a love of water features so it was not surprising when the judges from Pendle Council's housing department visited their homes in Ringstone Crescent, Nelson, and decided both were blooming great.

"I got a phone call completely out of the blue telling me we'd come joint first in the competition," said Lynn.

"When I asked who we shared the prize with they said 'Your next door neighbour!'

"I couldn't believe it but then again we do give each other cuttings and split plants because they are so expensive."

The houses each have a small fountain in the front and a pond at the back, and they are both a riot of colour at the moment.

"When the judges came round it was raining so they didn't look their best," added Lynn.

"We've helped each other out so much it was nice to share the prize."

The neighbours will get £50 for coming joint top in the Nelson section of the garden contest, run by the council to encourage council estate residents to take pride in their surroundings.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.