Green-fingered children have been rewarded for their efforts in a community gardening competition.

Residents of Welbeck Avenue, Hove, crowned the winners of their “tree base” competition after coming up with the idea during lockdown.

One of the neighbours behind the competition said: “Welbeck Avenue started a tree gardening initiative – a way of bringing the community together.

“More than this it was also to provide an opportunity for families to come together on a joint outdoor project during the tough stages of lockdown.

“Of course it also helped to make our avenue less weedy.

“From the outset, the response was positive with 18 families signing up immediately once the idea was mentioned in the street’s WhatsApp group – each adopting a tree outside their house.

“The weeds were intensely thick and all the hard work was cutting, digging and creating a space large enough to create your own tree garden.”

After four months of hard work, they have transformed the weed-riddled street into a colourful community space.

Brighton and Hove city councillor for Wish ward Robert Nemeth helped to pick the winners and hand out prizes.

Cllr Nemeth said: “Full credit must go to the residents for coming up with such a fun and community-minded idea, and to the residents of Welbeck Avenue for participating and making it so fun.

“I thoroughly enjoyed helping pick the winners and handing out the prizes.

“I hope that other streets follow the lead.”

Ten-year-old Charley Nelson was among those to receive a plaque for his efforts.

His mother Lisa Nelson said: “Councillor Robert Nemeth came round and presented Charley with an engraved plaque.

“Charley was thrilled as it was something he started at the beginning of lockdown and has continued doing.

“He did some research and put plants in that attracted bees and also unusual plants like the banana plant.”

The community now hopes to turn the competition into an annual event with different streets competing for prizes.