Flower power has been in full force in Brentwood where some of the town's most talented green fingered residents have been honoured in the Brentwood in Bloom awards.

Although the entries for this year's competition were slightly lower than last year's record breaking entry there was a welcoming amount of new people putting their gardens forward providing that the contest remains as popular as ever.

But for many of the winners the prize was simply a nice bonus as the real reward for them is the enjoyment they get from making their gardens look superb.

The results were announced at a special presentation event at Hutton Poplars Hall on Friday and to give the night a real 'Oscars' feel the identity of the winners remained a closely guarded secret until the big night.

Chairman of the Brentwood in Bloom strategy group, Peter Baggott, said: "It was very pleasing to see so many people taking part for the first time and the standard of entries was absolutely excellent."

For the second year running the premier front garden prize was won by Ernie Hughes of Thorndon Avenue, West Horndon.

Don Hinchin of Cornsland, Brentwood won the best new entrant in 2003 and went on to claim the best kept urban front garden this year and saw he was 'over the moon'.

Similar emotions were shared by Beryl Howes of Mayfield Gardens, Brentwood who, along with her neighbour, Shree Elliott, scooped the best new entrant prize.

The Brentwood Gazette sponsored best team effort went to St Georges Church in Ongar Road where members of the congregation and local residents had joined forces in recent months to clear up and transform the church grounds.

Published Wednesday August 11, 2004

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