GREEN-FINGERED Colne gardeners had double celebrations after two environmental projects scooped coveted awards.

Following a visit from judges in June as part of the North West in Bloom competition -- part of Britain in Bloom -- both North Valley Gardening Co-operative and Ball Grove Local Nature Reserve were commended for their high standard of work.

Both projects were praised for the progress made in the last year.

And they were honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton, for winners of the competition.

The Royal Horticultural Society event saw hundreds of people gather to celebrate the best in horticulture and environmental improvements in the North West.

Colne itself narrowly missed out on an award following an attempt to brighten up the town through a Colne in Bloom initiative. But the town was given praise for the two new projects developed in the last year.

And following the judges' visit, the Colne in Bloom Working Group were given pointers to improve next year's entry to boost their chances of winning an honour.

The North Valley Gardening Co-operative was given an Award of Merit for the high standard of horticulture and the commitment by local residents.

And Ball Grove Local Nature Reserve was presented with the Royal Horticultural Society Conservation and Environment Award 2005.

Work over the last year on the reserve has included two fun days, volunteer days, school visits, new footpaths and information boards and lots of pond dipping.

Colne in Bloom Working Group chairman Coun Dorothy Lord said: "We are highly delighted with the North Valley Gardening Co-operative, this will be a real boost for them.

"It just goes to show what can be achieved by dedicated groups like these."

Wildlife Trust Local Nature Reserve Officer Andrew Laycock said: "The progress at Ball Grove over the last year has been fantastic and it's due to the great partnership between everyone in the local community, Pendle Borough Council, The Wildlife Trust, The Friends of Ball Grove and Pond Conservation."

Work has already started for Colne in Bloom 2006.

Anyone keen to be involved should call Derek Gascoigne on 01282 661236 for more information.