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AHOGHILL has once again been recognised for their gardening excellence after picking up an award at the 2012 Translink Ulster in Bloom presentations.

The village won top prize in the ‘small town’ category.

Amidst a backdrop of cold harsh weather more fitting for the depths of winter, representatives from local councils, businesses, community groups, bus and rail stations all gathered recently in Belfast to celebrate last year’s outstanding gardening achievements.

“Congratulations to all the winners and we hope their efforts inspire others to get gardening and participate in the 2013 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition which will be launched in June,” he said.

The village of Broughshane was also among the category winners who were - Derry City (City), Bangor (Large Town), Coleraine (Town), Ahoghill (Small Town), Broughshane (Large Village) Glenarm (Village) and Scarva (Small Village).

The ‘Most Improved’ title went to Portrush while Carrickfergus scooped the ‘Roses in Towns’ award.

Lisburn City Council received the ‘NITB Crystal Award’ for embracing the tourist board’s ‘ni2012’ themes within Hillsborough village’s ‘Oyster Festival’ flower bed.

Special awards for outstanding presentation were presented to The Duke of York bar in Belfast, The Watermargin Restaurant in Coleraine, The Old Inn at Crawfordsburn, Castlerock Caravan Park and Antrim Castle Walled Garden.