The Saddle Inn on Whitegate Drive in Blackpool, which is owned and operated by the award-winning Stonegate Pub Company, have received an award in the Licensed Public House category of Blackpool in Bloom.

General manager of the pub, David Stephenson, was recently presented with the award at the City Town Hall by the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Eddie Collett and the president of the Blackpool Civic Trust, Elaine Smith.

David said: “We applied for the award several weeks ago and were incredibly honoured when we received the news that we’d won the runner up prize for the category. We have worked closely with our gardening team in order to create a vibrant and eye-catching floral style that will appeal to our guests.”

The competition has 16 categories in which contestants are judged on design, colour, impact and maintenance by four judges.

Approximately 120 people attended the ceremony. Among them were John Blackledge, the Assistant Chief Executive of Leisure and Commercial Services and Councillor Graham Cain, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure – who also held a short speech at the end of the event.

Beautiful Blackpool, which incorporates Blackpool in Bloom and Hotel in Bloom, has been running for nearly 20 years. The competition is organised by Elaine Smith and Tim Riley, the Parks Development Officer for Blackpool Council.