GARDENERS in Woodbridge were praised today for their efforts this summer in making the riverside town look colourful and beautiful for residents and visitors.

GARDENERS in Woodbridge were praised today for their efforts this summer in making the riverside town look colourful and beautiful for residents and visitors.

A special presentation and buffet event was held to reward those who had entered the Woodbridge in Bloom competitions - with the winners a closely-guarded secret until the official announcements.

The Mayor of Woodbridge Nigel Barratt congratulated entrants for maintaining the high standards of Woodbridge in Bloom despite the extreme weather difficulties and for helping the town maintain a pretty and well cared for image.

Frank Baldry won the award for the most colourful front garden for his home in Doric Place, while The Cake Shop in The Thoroughfare was the most attractive business.

Notcutts garden centre manager, Nick Bugden said: “This year again saw many gardeners facing extreme difficulties with unpredictable weather and excessive amounts of rain.

“Despite all that the weather threw at the gardeners they still maintained the high standards that have been set in previous years. It is well done to everyone who helped Woodbridge to bloom.”

n. Do you think the town looked good this year? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Results:

Woodbridge Horticultural Society Trophy for the best newcomer for first time entrants: Mrs Frost and Ms Underwood, Mussidan Place. Notcutts Cup for most attractive seasonal bedding display: 1 Mrs Scrivener, Gladstone Road; 2 Mrs Watret, Gladstone Road; 3 John Mayhew, Clare Avenue. Notcutts Trophy for most colourful front garden featuring permanent planting: 1 Frank Baldry, Doric Place; 2 Mrs Hooper, Victoria Road; 3 Mr and Mrs Lennard, Barton Road. Meadhome Cup for best residential hanging basket/window box: Mr A Howard, Mistley Way. Hubbard and Co Trophy for most attractive business premises: The Cake Shop, The Thoroughfare; Barretts of Woodbridge Trophy for most attractive hotel, restaurant or pub: Ms Amber Cross and Mr Paul Eaton, The Station Guest/Coffee House. Banyard and Houchell Shield for best community garden group or street: Mrs Sylvia Keeble for Morley Avenue.