The Gardening Coordinator at a local hospice charity has won two awards in a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) competition.

Vicki Stephenson, who looks after the grounds at the adult and children's sites at the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, received 'outstanding' for both gardens in the Heart of England in Bloom It's Your Neighbourhood awards lead by the RHS.

Vicki, who has a team of volunteers to help her in the gardens, received the awards during a special ceremony held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, retaining the outstanding achievement which was also awarded last year.

Vicki received the awards during a special ceremony in Worcestershire (image via Dougie Mac)

As well as overseeing the work the volunteers do in the hospice grounds, such as mowing, planting and tidying, Vicki also has a kitchen garden where she grows produce used by the chef at the hospice.

The grounds at Children's Services also include elevated beds allowing children in wheelchairs to access the gardens where they can help plant and pick a range of fruit, vegetables and herbs.

There is also an immersive sensory garden for the children to enjoy.

The It's Your Neighbourhood awards are based on three criteria: horticultural achievement, environmental and community participation.

Vicki said: To be able to retain our outstanding award is testament to the hard work of all the volunteers, our loyal long-standing regulars and our many corporate groups.

"I am proud of each and every one of them."