The Environment Agency has been praised for its community and environmental work at an award ceremony.

Cumbria in Bloom recognised the efforts made as part of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme at their awards in Kendal last week.

Four certificates were handed to the Environment Agency for horticultural work at the Kendal Flood Scheme Information Hub, Mintsfeet, Beezon Fields, and the Parish Church.

Contractor VolkerStevin also received an 'improving' certificate for a garden created in their site compound in Westmorland Business Park.

The garden, crafted by Mick Goggin, features flowers, fruit, and herbs.

Part of the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) It's Your Neighbourhood category, the awards encourage groups to work together to enhance their local environment.

The Environment Agency has been collaborating with contractors and local volunteers to enhance areas around Kendal while working on the flood scheme.

This includes staff at the Kendal Flood Scheme Information Hub on Beezon Road planting window boxes and volunteers planting trees and bulbs on Beezon Fields to boost biodiversity.

The Parish Church area has also benefited from planting, and a new John Speed map-inspired wooden sculpture has been commissioned by the Environment Agency.

Maria Ullyart, Environment Agency engagement lead for the Kendal scheme, said: "As part of delivering our Flood Risk Management Scheme, we are also working to provide community benefits and improve the environment for people and wildlife.

"We are delighted Beezon Fields received an Advancing Level from the Cumbria in Bloom assessors.

"This is a new nature area which will provide accessible and interactive outside space for the local community and visitors to enjoy.

"We look forward to building upon our success this year and taking part in Cumbria in Bloom 2025."

Once completed, the Kendal and Upper Kent Catchment Flood Risk Management Scheme will offer better protection to more than 1,920 homes and 2,250 businesses from flooding.

For more information about the Kendal flood scheme, residents can visit the Information Hub at 2 Beezon Road, adjacent to Lidl.