A GROUP of residents are celebrating after winning an award for their dreamy nostalgia-themed garden at this year’s RHS Tatton Flower Show.

Wilf and Sue Ford, Alan Harper and other Sussex Close tenants in Hindley scooped silver gilt in the prestigious flower show at Tatton Park on Wednesday.

Their garden is a beautiful river scene with a rowing boat and jetty, reminiscent of years gone by.

They have come a long way since joining forces as a group of amateur gardeners and were only one point away from getting gold.

It is the fourth consecutive year they have been invited to the RHS show.

They have now won silver gilt three times and silver once.

Wilf said: “Friends, family and neighbours have all worked hard.

“We were one point short of winning gold because we planted a holly tree instead of a willow tree.”

Although the group fell just short of winning gold, it will still be a golden weekend for Wilf and Sue.

Wilf said: “We have already got gold really because on Saturday we mark our golden wedding anniversary.

“We will be having Champagne then anyway with our family and friends.”

Cllr Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: “Well done to Sussex Close in Bloom.

“The colour and content of their garden is magnificent.

“The community effort that has gone into the garden is a great example of The Deal.”