A CHARITY which helps adults with disabilities gain skills and employment specialising in gardening has been awarded a gold award from Yorkshire in Bloom.

Just the Job Environmental Enterprises, based in Quarry Road, Richmond, was delighted to have been awarded a gold in the charitable establishments category at this year’s awards.

They also won a discretionary Yorkshire Rose Award for the best supported learning project – despite this being the first time they had entered the competition.

Manager Steve Biggs said: "Everyone at Just the Job is very proud of their achievements and it’s great to be recognised for all the hard work our team members, volunteers, staff and supporters have contributed to our brilliant project.

"With it being our first year entering the awards we had no expectations of winning, so to get a gold award, plus the extra discretionary award, is brilliant.

"It is great to see Yorkshire in Bloom isn't just about gardens now – about 60 per cent of the awards go to horticulture, 20 per cent to community-based projects, and 20 per cent to environmental work.

"It makes it more diverse and more relevant.

"Our horticulturist Jane Huffadine hadn't been with us long when we decided to enter the awards, so we didn't really do anything that out of the ordinary to prepare for the judges' visit, so we are thrilled they could see the value of what we do.

"It is a real boost for all of us."

He added: "Visitors are always welcome when the gates are open, and if you stay long enough you may get a spade put in your hand. The Community Orchard is also open all year round with fruit to pick in the autumn."