A FOOTBALL club’s achievements on the pitch and green-fingered growers’ success in the garden have been officially recognised.

Plaques were presented to the first and women’s teams of Caldicot FC after they each gained promotion while the best gardens in both Caldicot and Chepstow were honoured.

The Caldicot women’s team was formed two years ago and at the end of last season were promoted two steps from the South Wales Women’s division two to the Welsh Women’s League.

Mayor of Caldicot, Cllr Dave Evans said: “I was privileged to go to their AGM and I could see how overjoyed they were at being promoted two steps.”

The men’s side won the Welsh League division two after missing out on promotion last year by a point.

The team went up to division one in style, as champions having won their last 10 games on the trot.

Fixture secretary, Steve Bright said: “We’ve kept the team and they are mostly local players. We want to develop local talent.”

Cllr Evans also presented trophies and certificates to the owners of the best gardens, as well as awards for the best allotment and the best business.

Cherry Trees Nursing Home was named the best business and Mr Dave Thomas won the award for best allotment.

The number of entries in Chepstow was down but the quality of gardens was very high, said the Chair of Chepstow Town Council’s amenities committee, Cllr Yvonne Havard.

The winner of the best garden was Carolyn Chapman with Audrey Morgan and Cheryl Wintle highly commended.

The best small garden winner were Mr and Mrs Woodfield while Julie Young and Lynne Clements took the award for the best community garden.

The prize for best vegetable garden or allotment went to Caroline Duchet.