BEAUTIFUL blooms attracted the judges? eyes in the annual Tavistock Chamber of Commerce floral competition, which saw businesses in the town and surrounding area compete for cups and shields.

The chamber thanked all the businesses who worked so hard to improve the appearance of the town with flowers this summer, and hoped the lovely displays would encourage even more organisations to take part next year.

Thanks were also extended to the judges, who spent an enjoyable afternoon viewing the displays, and to the Bedford Hotel for donating a room and afternoon tea for their deliberations.

Judges of this year?s competition were Cllr Jenny Metcalf, mayor of Tavistock; Geoff Willetts, chairman of Tavistock Gardening Club; David Scrivener, chamber chairman, and Amanda Randell, florist.

Winner of the best display on frontage, including baskets, tubs and planters, was the Chip Shop Inn, for its ?splendid fuschia baskets and unusual containers?, which won the Plymouth Sound Salver.

Best group display or mini garden was won by Tavistock Gas Centre, whose courtyard mini garden was ?an inviting oasis of wonderful containers, filled with a lovely range of interesting foliage and flowers?. The gas centre was awarded the John and Pat Warne Plate.

The award for the best use of space was given to the Blacksmith?s Arms at Lamerton, where landlord Robert White?s father Ginger had worked long and hard to provide a ?glorious demonstration of excellent use of space, having baskets, containers and beds filled with healthy plants, in a well-planned scheme?. The pub was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Cup.

Mayflower Galleries won the best shop window award, the Tavistock Radio Taxis Rose Bowl, for their hanging baskets and window boxes in complementary colours.

And St Rumon?s Infant School won the Seed Corn Award, initiated by Cllr Norma Woodcock. The second year at the school produced a notice-board based on Claude Monet?s Waterlilies. The judges said their ?fabulous? selection of clay lilies and pictures of cleverly merged colours was ?very impressive?.

A chamber spokesman said: ?The Pannier Market was singled out by the judges for a special mention, especially Duke?s Coffee Houses with their outstanding hanging baskets. They were a lovely mix of colour and well cared for.?