Winners of the Tallest Sunflower Competition announced

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Cllr Maureen Morrow, has announced the winner and runners-up of the Mid and East Antrim In Bloom Tallest Sunflower Competition.

In April Mid and East Antrim Borough Council distributed 7000 packets of free sunflower seed to schools across the Borough to get children growing as part of the Mid and East Antrim In Bloom initiative.

Cllr Morrow said: “I have been really impressed by the number of applications and the height of the sunflowers this year. This competition really catches the imagination of our young people and after months of tender loving care by these young gardeners it is wonderful to see the end results.

“The time and dedication entrants spend on tending to their sunflowers is extraordinary and is a credit to them.

“I am delighted to announce the winner is Jack McAuley, age 5, from Carnlough, whose sunflower grew to a magnificent 3 metres and 65cms.

“Runners-up are Evie Stirling, aged 11, from Larne with a mighty 3metre 35cm sunflower, and Jorja Dorrian, aged 9, from Carrickfergus, with a blooming 3metre 21cm tall sunflower. Well done everyone.”

Next up is the Mid and East Antrim In Bloom Painting Competition (10 and under and 16 and under categories), Poetry Competition and Best School Gardening Project. Entries for these competitions must be received by 30 September. There are great prizes to be won. The winners and runners up will be invited to the awards ceremony in October.

For more information and to keep up to date visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/inbloom or contact 028 9335 8233