The winning gardeners of a National Trust competition have been revealed after the trust collaborated with an Oldham housing provider.

The Sky Gardening Challenge was a venture that saw residents in five Greater Manchester neighbourhoods compete to bring nature to their balconies.

The contest resulted in more than 100 residents taking part in green-fingered balcony work and experiencing the benefits of urban gardening.

A panel of experts judged the entries, with the winners celebrated on Manchester's rooftop garden - Castlefield Viaduct - on July 25.

There were six First Choice Homes Oldham tenants shortlisted with Dean Jackson the ‘In the Shade’ winner, Sharron Hutchinson a ‘Wild about Wildlife’ runner up and Tony Heywood another ‘Wild about Wildlife’ runner up.

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

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."

"The National Trust has a role to play in helping everyone have access to nature, no matter where they live," said Natalie Daring, senior project manager at the National Trust.

She added: "The experiences and stories from participants in the Challenge are really powerful – access to nature is so important.

"This pilot scheme starts to show the potential for people and nature of greening small spaces such as urban balconies and window boxes."

The challenge awarded people who signed up in April and May with seeds, compost, and access to free workshops.

Four top-prize winners emerged from different categories: Jo Magee in 'Celebrate Cultural Heritage', Dean Jackson in 'In the Shade', Lauren Sheasby in 'Urban Farming' and Jack Selman in 'Wild about Wildlife'.

One contestant said: "The workshops and socials helped me get started and motivated me.

"I love sitting in my garden listening to the birds or even just the wind blowing through the trees."

Contributory to the success of the pilot project was the collaboration between the National Trust and several housing providers and residents’ associations to deliver this year’s pilot.

"It’s been fantastic to partner with the National Trust for what’s been a brilliant pilot competition," said Emma Cafferky, stronger communities manager at First Choice Homes Oldham.

Researchers from the University of Manchester studied the impact of balcony greening on health and wellbeing.

"Early findings suggest that greening your balcony might not just be great for the planet, but for your health and wellbeing too," said Sarah Lindley, professor of geography.

The Sky Gardening Challenge may be expanded in 2025 if it proves successful, as the National Trust strives to connect more people to nature, especially in urban areas.