A VILLAGE competition that had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus still saw volunteers improve the look of the green.

Houghton in Bloom first started in 1999 when Brian Hill and several residents got together to combat the large amount of litter in the village and improve the uninspiring village green an village hall grounds.

In the intervening 11 years the group has planted saplings, flower beds and place planters in the whole of the village as we all organise community litter picks to improve the appearance of the village.

Stanwix rural parish council has supported the group in its efforts with financial grants.

Houghton in Bloom has participated in the 'Love Your Neighbour' scheme during the years as a focus for their efforts and welcomed the friendly advice and constructive criticism from Cumbria in Bloom judges.

Peter Duncan, a volunteer for the group, said: "For 2020 we wanted to commemorate the Battle of Britain and the end of the Second World War in Europe with a floral display.

"As the coronavirus pandemic continued we also wanted to celebrate our wonderful NHS workers with a World War two theme figurine of a nurse seated on the public bench next to the display."

Gordon Hodgson, who is also a volunteer and had volunteered for the last 10 years has made the V E Day flower bed.

An array of displays have been erected round the village. You can keep up-to-date on the progress of the displays at https://www.facebook.com/Houghton.Village