GARDEN enthusiasts in Devizes were rewarded for their dedication when they took top honours in this year's In Bloom competition.

Grandmother Christine Mortimer, 64, of Rotherstone, Devizes, came out top in the front garden section of the contest. She has lived in the same house with her husband Malcolm for 47 years and she ropes him in to do the watering.

She said: "It is my pride and joy so I was delighted to win. I spend all my time working on it."

The retired school cleaner, who has two sons and two grandsons, said: "I just like it to look pretty."

Jan Lawrence, 70, of Church Walk, Devizes, has transformed her small courtyard garden into something special complete with around 200 pots and planters and a water feature.

She said: "The courtyard is only about 30ft by 30ft but it is full of pots. In previous years I have opened it to the public as part of In Bloom but this year I didn't do that so decided to enter the competition instead."

She is a member of the Devizes clean-up squad CURDS and also helps to keep the churchyard at St James in good condition.

For the fourth year running a garden maintained by volunteers from Alzheimer's Support has won acclaim.

The walled garden at 5 Sidmouth Street was named best club garden in the Devizes competition for the fourth and also won an outstanding grade from the Royal Horticultural Society for the second year running.

RHS judges said the garden was: “A beautiful and tranquil garden oasis with every possible conceivable space adorned with pots, climbers or artwork. It’s a place for contemplation and peaceful reflection, therapeutic and beneficial, an absolute joy.”

Alzheimer’s Support daycare services manager Grant Newton said: “We would also add that it is also full of tea and cakes and raucous laughter. Starting from a blank patch of concrete a few years ago the garden has been the work of several pairs of volunteer hands and provides a wonderful space for club members to gather for conversation and music, to watch wildlife or just enjoy some fresh air in the heart of Devizes.”

For the last few years it has been nurtured by Sarah Maccall whose mother attends the club, and Mary Weston. They have recently handed over to new volunteers, mother and daughter team Sue Mason and Rachel Deakin.

Miss Lawrence also won the award for best hanging basket while Mrs M Morgan-Amor won display in a single container and Mr B Cook won best allotment.

Other commercial winners included: The Cavalier, The Black Swan, Coffeewise, Estcourt Vets, Walter Rose & Son, Elizabeth House and Southbroom Infants School.