Winners blossom at Newbury in Bloom

'Fabulous standard' from local businesses, schools, allotments and restaurants

NEWBURY has bloomed again after the revival of an annual competition.

A total of 28 local businesses, schools, restaurants and allotments, entered the 2016 Newbury in Bloom contest.

The winners were announced during at St Nicolas Church hall on Tuesday, where Newbury mayor Julian Swift-Hook presented the awards.

Winners were The Lock Stock & Barrel (pubs and restaurants category); The Friends Meeting House (places of worship); Paul Dean of West Mills Allotments (allotments); LK Hair (business); and Speenhamland Primary School (schools).

Cllr Sarah Greenall, chair of the working group driving the campaign, said: “We are so pleased we have had so many entries and the standard was fabulous.

“It was very hard to choose the winners as everyone did such a great job. We are very encouraged by this year’s campaign and we look forward to expanding it further next year.”

The winners were each given a handcrafted and engraved plate, created by local wood-turner, Alan Hulford, a certificate and a gift voucher from the category sponsor.

Sponsors were Rivar Sand & Gravel Ltd, the Yew Tree Garden Centre, Mole Country Stores, and Penwood Nurseries.