RESIDENTS at the Whitefriars sheltered housing scheme in Ludlow, have come third in a national procurement competition, scooping a prize of £2,000 in the process.

The money will be used to transform under-used green space into community gardens.

Run by Procurement for Housing (PFH) and sponsored by B&Q, the competition asked social landlords to submit projects for their residents and communities.

“Obviously we are delighted to have come third in this prestigious national competition,” said Ann Sutcliffe, executive director of neighbourhoods at the Shropshire Housing Group.

“Thanks must go to residents, Julie Fowler, the Housing Support Officer and Partners for their ideas and enthusiasm.

"The prize will directly benefit our tenants and create a really great garden for them.”

More than 60 entries were assessed by a panel of judges using criteria that scored on impact, value for money and return on investment.

The whole community will help to deliver the project with support from Ludlow Hands Together, a local voluntary group and local scout and guide groups who will help with planting and maintenance of the flower beds.