Gardeners triumph over the weather

GARDENERS overcame torrential rain, high winds and scorching sun to make sure every last leaf and petal were looking their best for Littlehampton Town Council's annual gardens and allotment competition. And they were rewarded with the congratulations of the judges, including deputy town mayor Alan Gammon, and the prospect of cups, certificates and vouchers to be awarded at the presentation night on August 23.

Allotment party working group chairman, councillor Mark Butler, said this year's competition had attracted many new entries. "I should like to thank everyone who took part for their hard work and commitment to producing such beautiful gardens and allotments despite the weather, and for supporting the town."

Residents of Norfolk Gardens East, led by Roy Alderton, won the Amenity Cup for best communal garden for the third year running.

The Preascott **correct** Cup for best smaller front gardens went to Barbara Croft and Paul Nelson, of Meadow Way, and the Best Kept Garden Cup for larger front gardens was awarded to Winterton Lodge, Goda Road.

Michael Merridue, of Grand Avenue, Wick, won the Ernest Haves Cup for best patio garden for the second year running, with Sarah Hall, of Pier Road, winning the Rob and Sal's Tattoo Studiu Cup for best smaller back garden and Monica Guess, of The Estuary, took the Patels and Petals Cup for best larger back garden.

Jodie Petrie, who looks after the communal garden at Millfield Court, Wick, won the best new entrant award and Fairway was judged the best street.

The Lemon Tree pub/restaurant, in Surrey Street, won the Companions Challenge Cup for best commercial garden for the second year running.

Bill Mason, of Worthing Road allotments, retained the Allotment Holders' Cup for best plot.

Elm Grove Infant School and St Mary's Primary School, Climping shared the primary schools' award.

* Runners-up and third places will appear in next week's Gazette