A bid for glory in the Anglia in Bloom contest took a blow when gardens were wrecked by a lorry driver.
The driver caused chaos on the Lodge estate, Witham, when he reversed across gardens, hit a 100-year-old protected tree and knocked over a lamppost.
Residents looked on in horror as the lorry left its trail of damage before driving away.
It could not have come at a worse time for homeowners preparing for next week's visit from Anglia in Bloom judges.
Margaret Robins, co-ordinator of Witham Lodge Greens, said "There were quite a few residents in their gardens because we were getting ready for the competition.
"We saw this large lorry which was obviously lost. Because of the narrow roads he was finding it difficult to get out and reversed across gardens and greens and then into the protected blue fir.
"We were all trying to stop him but he would not listen. He drove off leaving us shocked."
"It is such a blow for the people who live on the Lodge who have worked so hard to improve the greens for Anglia in Bloom. We will make sure the gardens are looking nice and hopefully this will not affect the entry as we are just one small element of Witham.
"The whole town has worked extremely hard and we are determined this will not affect us."
Resident Christine Parsons, of Lynbrooke Place, said it was her tree that was damaged. She said: "I came rushing out but it was too late. Rather than say sorry the driver drove off.
"The lorry driver was panicking and could not get out. I did feel sorry for him but he has caused so much damage to my tree. I am upset and a lot of the residents are."
Police said: "We are treating the incident as a road accident and are investigating."
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