Hackney has scooped two awards at this year s prestigious London in Bloom awards hosted by Transport for London.

For the second year, Hackney has retained Silver award in the City category. Judges commented: "The borough has improved upon its efforts of 2007 with examples of good community involvement and support."

For the first time, Hackney also received the second place award in the Best Commons category for Hackney Downs, which was assessed on the provision and variety of leisure facilities, management and maintenance and opportunities for local community involvement.

Hackney s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Nargis Khan, said: "The awards are a great honour for the borough in recognition of the hard work and dedication by local people and businesses, whose displays help us make Hackney more attractive and increase awareness of the environment. Well done to everyone who took part in the local and London competitions.”

26 boroughs and the City of London entered the annual London in Bloom competition. The awards ceremony, which took place on 19 September at the Honourable Artillery Company, recognised the hard work of community groups and the Council in improving gardens and parks in Hackney over the last year.

Judges visited Hackney in July to look at the quality of the parks, the Council s approach to the environment and how far the community had joined in with the campaign. Their tour included Hackney in Bloom winners along the way.

The Council’s Parks Service will hold an awards ceremony later this month for this year’s Hackney in Bloom winners.

For more information about Hackney’s parks and open spaces telephone 020 8356 8429 or email: parks@hackney.gov.uk