For the second year in a row Glastonbury was presented with a Gold Award together with the Preece Cup, for the first time, in the South West in Bloom Competition.

The awards ceremony took place recently in Newquay. Pictured are the Mayor of Glastonbury, Cllr Denise Michell, and Mr Mark Penton, co-ordinator of the Glastonbury in Bloom, receiving the certificate and trophy from Julian the Lord Fellowes, together with Cllr Christine Prior, mayor's escort and Gerald Morgan, chairman of the Glastonbury in Bloom committee.

A business in Glastonbury was also awarded the Amberol Cup for the Best Business Floral Display in the South West. All volunteers are to be congratulated on achieving this highly prised award.

Last week, Glastonbury held its own In Bloom presentation evening hosted by the mayor at the Town Hall.

Awards were given for the Best Front Gardens, Rear Gardens, Best Container, Best Pub, Best Shop Front/Business, Community Space, Allotment and Best B&B.

There were also several special awards given at the discretion of the judges, this year they were for a container garden, volunteer involvement and best botanical interest.

The Mayor of Glastonbury welcomed all the contestants and thanked the many sponsors of the competition.

In winding up the evening both the chairman of the bloom committee and the mayor made a plea for more volunteers to come forward and take part in this community event.

The chairman also thanked all those who had entered the competition and a number of special thanks to those people who had been more deeply involved, he also said that this year had seen a greatly increased entry into the local competition and encouraged others to do so.

Best Front Garden

2nd Mr Richard Squire

Highly Commended Mr Raymond Dyer, Mr Alan Crease, Eileen Read

Best Rear Garden

2nd Yvette Jones

Very Highly Commended Eileen Read

1st Cavendish Lodge

3rd Glastonbury Abbey

Highly Commended Les Fear

Best Pub

1st Glastonbury Galleries

3rd Rainbows End Café

Best Community Space

Joint 2nd St Margaret's Chapel, Cavendish Lodge

1st Les Fear

1st Magdalene House

Special Awards

Glastonbury Abbey - Volunteer involvement in all aspects of grounds maintenance