And it was the first time the tenants' annual gardening contest included a category for children and Wayne Blackman-Wickens, 12, of
Uckfield, won approval with his flourishing vegetable garden.

He was given a special award at a ceremony held at Hillier Garden Centre in Stone Cross.

Cllr Chantal Wilson, chairman of Wealden District Council, said: 'I was tremendously impressed with how Wayne had started his vegetable garden from nothing and learned from his mistakes as he went on.

'He told me he had taken up gardening because he was bored and wanted something interesting to do.'

Adult winners were also rewarded for their efforts with garden centre vouchers worth £25.

Overall winners received the tenants' cup for one year and £50 of garden centre vouchers.

Cllr Wilson added: 'All of this year's gardens were absolutely immaculate.

'The residents of the overall winner, Streatfield House, had worked together whatever their abilities, to make a garden that they felt was theirs and was one they could really be proud of.'

The list of winners were:

Overall Winner: Residents of Streatfield House, Uckfield.

Most Attractive Garden: Mrs G Pettigrew, Hailsham.

Best Small Garden: Mr and Mrs Edwards, Hailsham.

Best Vegetable/Allotment Garden: Mr R G Cousens, Hailsham.

Best Group/Community Garden: Mrs K Barrett, Hailsham.

Best Young Person's Garden: Wayne Blackman-Wickens, Uckfield.

Best Water Aware/Recycling Garden: Mrs Whitney Hedges, Heathfield.

Wealden Residents Forum Award: Mr and Mrs Funnell, Heathfield.