A GARDEN centre is celebrating after being chosen as the best by our readers.

Oakhurst Garden Centre in Cockermouth was voted as the best garden centre in north and west Cumbria by you.

Hundreds of our readers had nominated their favourite garden centre, which gave us a top 10, with hundreds more voting to find the region’s favourite.

Nanette Dolderson, 46, took over as manager of the centre following the death of her father two years ago.

“Over the last two years our customers have noticed the hard work we have been putting in tweaking it and rearranging displays,” she explained.

“We’ve had really good feedback from customers who have seen the efforts being put in and have supported us and voted.”

Mrs Dolderson is hoping the award will help the centre reach new heights.

“The people that didn’t know of us, once they hear we won the best garden centre they will hopefully come in and have a look.”

The centre stocks a wide range of products, from Christmas trees to seasonal plants. They have also recently launched a home plants range.

It was a mix of emotions for the centre when they heard about the result of the competition.

“We were surprised and honoured to feel that we could compete with other regional garden centres. “We want to thank everyone who voted for their support and loyalty.”

The other garden centres nominated were: Aero Nurseries, Carlisle; Dobbies Garden Centre, Carlisle; Garden House Nursery, Dalston; Houghton Hall, Carlisle; Mike Capstick Nursey, Dalston; Road End Nursery, Orton Rigg; Moota Garden Centre, Moota; The Lakes Home Centre, Cockermouth; Whitehaven Garden Centre, Whitehaven.