The sky's the limit for our customers who've scooped top prizes in the Sky Gardening Challenge

Earlier this year, we were delighted to team up with the National Trust to take part in the Sky Gardening Challenge.

A pilot competition which encouraged customers who live in our Barker Street and Eldon Street estates, as well as other residents across Greater Manchester neighbourhoods, to transform their balconies into things of beauty.

The competition closed for entries in May and we saw 21 customers across our two estates enter, and were pleased to discover six of our customers were shortlisted.

The winners were announced at a special garden party at Castlefield Viaduct, organised by the National Trust and we're delighted that three of our customers scooped fantastic awards!

• Dean Jackson - 'In the Shade' winner
• Sharron Hutchinson - 'Wild about Wildlife' runner up
• Tony Heywood - 'Wild about Wildlife' runner up

Our customer Chloe Parker also received 'highly commended' for her entry into 'In the Shade' with her five-year-old son, Clayne, as did our customer Tracey Kall for her entry into 'Wild about Wildlife'.

Emma Cafferky, Stronger Communities Manager at First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “It’s been fantastic to partner with the National Trust for what’s been a brilliant pilot competition. We’ve seen such a high number of our residents wanting to take part across our two neighbourhoods and with six entries being shortlisted, it’s testament to the pride people here have in their local area.

“As the only social housing provider taking part, we’re really proud of our customers’ efforts and delighted that so many of our residents have been making the most of the wonderful green, gardening support on offer, and now have their own little piece of nature on their doorsteps.

“A huge congratulations to our customers who received awards. We’re so proud of the work you have put in and the benefits of nature you’ve brought to your home and wider neighbourhood. Keep up the great work!”

Our customer Chloe said: “Me and my son Clayne joined the challenge as he loves nature and wanted to get involved. We’ve planted a number of seeds over five planters which are on our balcony wall. We’re both very new to this so there has been a lot of trial and error and we’ve realised nasturtiums and cornflower grows best in our space.”

Howard Bristol, Project Manager at the National Trust, said: "First Choice Homes Oldham customers have really got behind the idea of greening their balconies and window boxes this year, and it has been great to see what a positive impact the Sky Gardening Challenge pilot has had for people’s wellbeing and for nature.

"This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of First Choice Homes Oldham, who have gone the extra mile to help their customers connect with nature, as well as local partners Northern Lily CIC and OL1 Oldham."