A clutch of awards has been given to the region's gardeners who have impressed judges at an annual show.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's garden celebrating the federation of the six towns 100 years ago was awarded a gold medal and scooped the best in show award at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Show at Tatton Park, near Knutsford.

The display is based on the idea of the first council meeting of the newly formed city, with a table and six chairs representing the six towns uniting as one.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez, leader of the city council, called the award a "great present" to the city which is staging events throughout 2010 to mark the centenary of the federation.

He said: "This year's flower bed is a vibrant mix of colours and clever planting. It is fantastic news to see the team's hard work recognised."

Newcastle Borough Council also tasted success with its recycling-themed display, top right.

The borough council won a silver gilt for the garden featuring a model of a food waste recycling vehicle with a windscreen made of silver carpet bedding plants.

Dave Adams, borough council executive director for operations, said: "We are delighted to have been presented with this award.

"Householders throughout the borough have recycled 1,400 tonnes of food waste since our new recycling service was introduced at the start of March."

Cheshire East Council meanwhile, won gold for its display called 'Cheshire Cheese Please' depicting a giant cheese board made entirely of flora and fauna.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, cabinet member for prosperity, said: "The RHS Show is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the Cheshire East calendar and vital to boosting tourism."

Gold was also awarded to Reaseheath College, in Nantwich, for 'A Plant Hunter's Retreat', pictured above, a display created by evening class students in honour of their lecturer Harry Delaney.