Trees were planted on Wednesday in each of the three towns/villages within Fermanagh District Council which won 'Best kept' awards earlier this year.

The planting had a double aim, to mark last year's 50th anniversary of the founding of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, and to coincide with that milestone it was decided to plant a tree in Lack, winner of the Best Kept Small Village/Best of the Best awards, Tempo, Best Newcomer, and Enniskillen, Runner-up in the Large Town category.

Gerry Knox, the director of Technical Services with Fermanagh District Council, told the 'Herald' he believed the awards for Lack and Tempo were a first in each case.

"Enniskillen has had many successes over the years, including winning the Best Kept Large Town award eight times (six since 1995), and scooping the Best Kept Large Town in Ireland award on four occasions since 2000".

The three events were attended by children from the local schools and, in Lack by members of Lack Women's Group and in Tempo by members of Tempo Development Association.

At all three venues, the chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Alex Baird, by his fellow Councillor, Patricia Rogers who is a member of the NI Amenity Council and by the President and Chairman of the NI Amenity Council, Doreen Muskett and Charlie Smyth.