GREEN-FINGERED care home residents are celebrating a national award win… after growing the tallest sunflower in the country.

Elderly gardeners at Blackbrook House, in Gun Hill, Colchester, have been crowned the champions of a unique competition.

The aim of the contest, launched by the home’s non-profit provider, Anchor, was to see which care establishment could grow the biggest sunflower.

After diligently looking after their floral creation, from seed to blossom, the team of horticulturists nurtured their sunflower to an award-winning height of 10ft and 3ins.

Kylie Greatorex, manager of Blackbrook House, said: “We’re extremely proud of our sunflowers.

“The average sunflower is between six and ten feet and our tallest one just passed that.

“We worked especially hard to take care of the sunflowers as much as we could due to the weather conditions this summer.

“They look absolutely stunning in the garden and everyone is amazed by how tall they grew.”

In addition to growing sunflowers, the care home’s residents have also taken part in a range of other outdoor activities, such as birdwatching and croquet.

Gardening, however, proved the most popular hobby.

Blackbrook House resident Peggy Clements, 94, said: “I’ve always enjoyed gardening and it’s lovely I can continue to do this at the home.

“The sunflower competition was great fun and I’m thrilled to have won.”