By Dave GooderhamJUDGES of a floral competition have turned their backs on Suffolk and chosen other counties to represent the region in the national finals.

By Dave Gooderham

JUDGES of a floral competition have turned their backs on Suffolk and chosen other counties to represent the region in the national finals.

But the organisers Anglia in Bloom denied last night they had snubbed Suffolk - included the award-winning displays of Bury St Edmunds - in picking towns and villages for next year's Britain in Bloom event.

Instead they said it was time to give other areas a chance and opted for Frinton, Brightlingsea, Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Winterton-on-Sea to represent the region in the 2005 awards.

Sue Hacon, chairman of Anglia in Bloom, said: “Bury has won Britain in Bloom three times and has a huge reputation.

“We know some people are going to be disappointed, but we wanted to give other areas an opportunity to win gold medals.

“The event is important as it brings everyone together and enables people to work together and talk with each other.”

Bury in Bloom chairman, Mike Ames, said he felt it was time for another town to take on the country's best - but admitted he hoped Bury St Edmunds would again represent Anglia in years to come.

“The news might be a disappointment to some sections of the Bury in Bloom committee,” he added.

“We are now handing over the baton to Norwich, although we will not be resting on our laurels. In a way it is good for the town and it will allow us to consolidate and improve.”

Judges chose Norwich to represent Anglia in the city category, Frinton for the town category, Great Yarmouth for the coastal category, Brightlingsea for the urban community category and Winterton-on-Sea for the village category.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk