A green-fingered Derby resident has been voted ‘champion of champions’ in an annual gardening competition run by Derby Homes. Doreen Quinby, of Alvaston, won the ‘Best Garden’ award for her area in 2005 and went on to triumph as ‘Champion of Champions 2006’ in a contest against fellow area winners.

Mrs Quinby was one of 8 entrants in the competition for a £100 prize. Derby Homes, which manages and maintains Derby City Council’s housing, holds the event each year for local Council tenants. Residents are encouraged to spruce up their gardens to highlight their gardening skills and to create a colourful environment for residents and visitors.

Mrs Quinby, Champion of Champions said: “I entered the competition because it’s a challenge and my garden gives pleasure to other people. I’ve had a few people from other estates come round to view my garden, which is really pleasing. As for the prize money, I’m going to use it to buy a new garden wooden form and plants for next year”.

Gwen Stubley, Tenant Board Member, and Dennis Rees, the Chair of the Board, judged this year’s entries. The use of colour, space and overall appearance of the garden were all features taken into account.  Gwen Stubley said: “Judging the gardens and deciding on winners was very difficult this year because there were so many excellent entries. I think all of the tenants who entered this year deserve a lot of credit, the gardens were kept to a high standard even though the weather has been so hot.”

Maria Murphy, Director of Housing & Customer Service said, “well kept gardens make a significant improvement to the appearance of estates, we are pleased that this competition recognises the hard work and efforts of so many of our tenants and leaseholders.