ROYAL Wootton Bassett in Bloom, the long-established annual horticultural competition, is an expression of the town's fine community spirit, said local MP James Gray, when he presented awards at the well-attended ceremony in The Angel ballroom last week.

Mr Gray, who regularly supports Bassett in Bloom by transporting judges on their extensive tour of entrants' gardens, praised all who provide such attractive floral displays - from small containers and hanging baskets to spacious gardens. Sue Hughes, who chaired the judging panel, spoke about the event's increasing popularity and the welcome introduction of new categories. She thanked her fellow judges and everyone who took part in this friendly community event.

AWARDS:

Containers: 1. John Hardy; 2. Gareth Penn; = 3. Brian Fisher., Karen Tyler;

Highly Commended: Jim Church, Janice Campbell, Ange Plumpton.

Hanging baskets: 1. Janice Campbell; 2. David Snell; 3. Jim Church.

Highly Commended: Gareth Penn, Chris Milan.

Front Garden 1.Lynn MacIndoe; 2. Shane Ollerhead; 3. Dennis Chivers;

Highly commended: Janice Campbell, Anne Webb.

Wildflower Garden: Helen Smith.

Rear Garden: 1. Janice Campbell; 2. Lynn MacIndoe; 3. Stephen Roberts.

Highly commended: "quirky" entry by Helen Harris; Dennis Chivers, Anne Webb.

Hotels & Public Houses: 1. The Angel; 2. The Five Bells; 3. The Cross Keys;.

HC: The Wagon & Horses.

Grouped accommodation and community facilities: 1. The Church Croft; 2. White Lodge Care Home; 3. Ridgeway House.

HC: St Bartholomew's & All Saints' Church.

Commercial premises: 1. The Old Bank Antiques; 2. Haine & Smith opticians; 3. Chillies Indian Cuisine.

Home Produce: 1. Kingfisher Beavers; 2. David Snell; 3. Dennis Chivers.

HC: Lynn MacIndoe; Ridgeway House.

Garden design: 1. Stephen Roberts, 2. Chris Milan; 3. Karen Tyler.

Micro-garden: T K McCue.

Youth, school or community group: 1. St Bartholomew's Primary Academy; 2. Longleaze Primary School; 3. Longleaze Pre-school.

The Champion of Champions trophy was awarded to Lynn MacIndoe.

After the presentation of trophies and certificates, refreshments and a raffle concluded a very enjoyable event.

Sue Hughes announced details for next year's Bassett in Bloom: Domestic Gardens Judging: Saturday 6th July, 2020, from 2.00 - 5pm.

Judges will meet to decide winners - Thursday 30th July.

2020 Presentation Evening for all entrants - Monday 7th September, 2020 at 7.30pm, The Angel, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett.