The Knipe Point Owners' Association was presented with the Civic Society Community Award at the annual Scarborough in Bloom Best Kept Garden Awards at the Spa.

Knipe Point hit the headlines in April when cracks appeared and the subsequent landslip led to the enforced demolition of three bungalows – the exact cause is still unknown and investigations are still underway, with fresh cracks appearing last month.

Judges praised the community saying: "In the face of adversity, residents have rallied round to provide a pleasant and attractive environment, and despite the difficulties nature throws at them with north easterly winds, they continue to demonstrate high standards of horticulture."

The presentation of a range of awards took place in the Spa Ocean Room in front of an audience of 300.

Organisers, including parks and countryside chief Roger Burnett, said the competition had proved more popular than ever despite the summer's adverse weather.

Both Scarborough and Cayton were awarded prestigious Silver Gilt medals at this year's national finals of Britain in Bloom – an achievement which was recognised at the event which was billed as the Scarborough's 'Oscars of Community Gardening'.

The chairman of Scarborough in Bloom, Cllr David Jeffels, said that the growing number of friends' organisations in the area – there are now more than 20 - had played a key part in helping to create a quality environment by clearing litter, painting public seats, and removing graffiti.

Cllr Jeffels, Scarborough Council's cabinet member for tourism and culture, also praised members of the council's parks and countryside service for working beyond the call of duty to make sure Scarborough looked its best for the judges.

He said: "Despite the dreadful summer weather, the town and the villages have looked superb and this has been due to a very great extent to the wonderful work being done by In Bloom groups and growing number of friends groups and great credit is due to them.

"We are particularly grateful to all the private householders, businesses and neighbourhoods who have supported Scarborough's gardens competition this year and helped the town to win such a prestigious silver gilt award against such strong competition."