FANTASTIC flower fish form a floral feast for Felixstowe this summer – and could help net the resort a haul of awards.The spectacular large flower-packed fish are the latest in a long line of 3D designs to grace the forecourt of the seafront leisure centre.

FANTASTIC flower fish form a floral feast for Felixstowe this summer – and could help net the resort a haul of awards.

The spectacular large flower-packed fish are the latest in a long line of 3D designs to grace the forecourt of the seafront leisure centre.

Last year's octopus – which now has a home in amusements owner Stan Threadwell's garden – won the Anglia in Bloom trophy for the best local authority garden display in the region.

Other summers have seen a 3D water-spitting sea serpent, donkey and beer carriage, dolphin, jungle animals, working lighthouse and Bertie Bassett.

The fish will be one of the centrepieces of the displays around the town as it tries to win the small resorts category of Anglia in Bloom, competing against Cromer and Sherringham in north Norfolk.

Last year it came second in the large coastal resorts and took a silver medal in Britain in Bloom nationally.

This week the town launched the main lynchpin of its campaign – the town council-run Felixstowe in Flower scheme.

Mayor Doreen Savage said: "The flowers and the gardens are looking superb this year and I think we have a great chance of success again.

"There is so much variety around the town and the fish outside the leisure centre are excellent. The town is very lucky to have such dedicated and hard-working gardeners who produce some marvellous displays each year."

A reception was held at the Town Hall in Undercliff Road West to mark the launch of the scheme, which features 180 hanging baskets, tubs and saddle boxes and a town floral trail.

There are also a range of competitions for private gardeners and businesses, schools and allotment holders.

Sponsorship has been good this year for the baskets and tubs, though more businesses, private householders and groups are welcome to join in.

The Anglia in Bloom bid is a partnership between the town, county and district councils, and also local gardeners and businesses who spruce up their gardens and premises. The judges will be arriving soon to assess the town.

WEBLINK: www.angliainbloom.co.uk