KEEN gardener John Perkins has finally been honoured for his wonderful blooms just weeks before he reaches his 90th birthday.

Mr Perkins of Nursteed Village won the back garden category in the Devizes In Bloom competition after his son John entered him without his knowing.

The great-grandfather said: "It was a complete surprise and a bit of a shock. I like my gardening and it keeps me fit and gives me something to do."

Front garden winner Michael Linford,61, of Hare And Hound Street, Devizes, was also a newcomer to the competition.

The hairdresser said: "So many people walking by complimented me on my hanging baskets and containers that I decided to enter but it was a bit of a surprise to win.

"I only have a small front garden and grow everything in containers but I enjoy pottering around out there."

Mr Linford's, who has two daughters and four grandchildren, says his wife Jan enjoys see the colourful displays but does not share his gardening interest.

Another winner announced at Devizes Town Hall last week was Sidmouth Street Day Club which won the clubs and societies category.

The garden is maintained by volunteers Mary Weston and Sarah Macall, whose mother is a member of the club run by Alzheimer's Support.

The club also received an outstanding grade in the It’s Your Neighbourhood competition in the South West in Bloom competition.

Other Devizes In Bloom winners included Jennifer Lake of Bridewell Street who won the single container and hanging basket category and Mark Talbot, who won the allotment section for his plot at Quakers Walk.

The Cavalier took the pub prize, Emily's tea room the cafe section, Ma Cuisine the retail award, Mikey's Barbers the small retail prize, David Owen the award for non retail premises and The Croft for communal dwelling award.

Devizes In Bloom chairman Zena Robson said: "Many thanks to all the businesses and the residents who help to make Devizes look spectacular year after year.

"It was lovely to see new people entering the competition and doing so well. Our It's Your Neighbourhood groups that were entered in the South West In Bloom competition did really well too, with many getting the highest award.

"Along with that, we also have the final amount raised by our Open Garden weekend back in June. £1,000 will go to the Mayor's charities. We can be justifiably proud of our achievements so well done to all."