Volunteers who helped restore a storm-ravaged park to its picture-postcard best have scooped a special Britain in Bloom award.
The “remarkable” transformation of Seaton Park after Storm Frank hit Aberdeen last year was picked out by judges as an example to all.
The inaugural “overcoming adversity” prize was just one of several picked up by north-east communities at the annual celebration of green spaces.
Aberdeen’s floral displays were once again named the best in the city category – picking up a “gold” rating.
Duthie Park was joint winner of the public park award – which is named in honour of David Welch, creator of the park’s winter gardens.
And there were no less than four awards for Dufftown in Moray as green-fingered locals of all ages received recognition for their work.
As well as an overall “Silver Gilt” status in the large village section, it jointly took the award for best involving young people.
Anne Fraser accepted a “community champion” accolade for her “exceptional commitment and dedication” and there was a special young person’s award for 14-year-old Ryan Thomson.
Judges praised the Dufftown youngster’s “real interest in gardening and helping out”.
Heaping plaudits on the Seaton Park work, they said: “The good people of Aberdeen and the council staff are a resilient lot and were quick to form working parties who cleared huge amounts of debris.
“This was partnership working at its best as more and more people turned up to lend a hand.
“The outcome to which we can testify was quite remarkable. Today, other than to see the recorded evidence of what had taken place, visitors would have little knowledge of what damage had been caused.
“Well done everyone who helped return Seaton Park and the surrounding areas to its former picture postcard setting.”
They said Duthie Park “has all that is expected of a high quality city park” and more – particularly praising the educational facilities.
Chairman of the UK judging panel, Roger Burnett, said: “The judges were very impressed by the way communities refused to let the many challenges they faced hold them back.”
Ahoghill, a village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, was named champion of champions.
The ceremony, which was held in Birmingham, was hosted by TV Gardening Expert Chris Beardshaw.