A PAIR of green fingered seaside resorts are celebrating this morning after impressing judges with their fantastic floral displays.

Craig Robinson

A PAIR of green fingered seaside resorts are celebrating this morning after impressing judges with their fantastic floral displays.

Both Felixstowe and Frinton-on-Sea have picked up silver awards in this year's prestigious Britain in Bloom competition.

The winners attended a glitzy prize giving ceremony last night and their success is sure to be greeted with jubilation in the popular seaside towns.

Felixstowe, which has won a silver award for a coastal town with a population of more than 12,000 people, was inspected by Royal Horticultural Society (HRS) judges Jeff Bates and Jim Knight.

They were particularly impressed with the number of colourful gardens, the condition of the triangle which was “impressively” bedded out and the “eye-catching” containers and barrier baskets on Hamilton Road.

The police and fire station contributions were also noted, Peewit Caravan Park had a colourful reception area and the gardens at the Elizabeth Orwell Hotel were well-maintained and “cheerfully bright”.

The judges also made a special note of the work of children at Colneis Junior School, who were involved with planting in the town centre.

Frinton, which picked up a silver award in the small town category, was visited by RHS judges Martyn Hird and Sue Wood.

They were left impressed by the floral displays in Crescent Gardens, which were “well planted and maintained” along with the beds by the railway gates.

The judges also noted the participation by a number of businesses in the town, some “well presented” front gardens and “lots of commitment” by the community on a variety of projects.

Last night's award ceremony, at Chester Race Course, was attended by more than 450 gardening enthusiasts - with 69 prizes handed out, selected from more than 1,000 competitors.

Judging took place throughout the summer and each entrant was rated on their floral displays, permanent landscaping, sustainable development, environmental initiatives, public awareness and community participation.

Roger Burnett, chairman of the Britain in Bloom judging panel, said: “Despite the poor summer weather the finalists proved beyond doubt just what can be achieved when communities work together.”

Inga Grimsey, RHS director-general, said: “Britain in Bloom clearly illustrates that despite reports of rising crime and social indifference, there are thousands of communities working to create safe, inclusive, positive environments for all to enjoy.”