DESPITE the lack of sunshine and abundance of rain this summer, businesses in and around Tavistock still produced high quality floral decorations for this year's chamber of commerce competition.
The chamber believes the hanging baskets and tubs 'seriously improve Tavistock's image' in the eyes of visitors — judges particularly picked out the high quality gardens and displays in out-of-town pubs.
The chamber thanked the judges for their contribution to the success of the competition, and particularly the businesses that 'regularly improve this town with their floral contributions'.
Winner of the best display in frontages, baskets, tubs and planters, was the Blacksmiths Arms at Lamerton. The Plymouth Sound silver salver was presented to proprietors Robert and Janie White by chamber chairman Barry Highfield.
Winner of the best group display, was the Market Inn in Tavistock.
It is the third time in succession the pub has won the award — the John and Pat Warne tankard has now been given to landlady Gloria Morrison and Mr and Mrs Warne will provide a new trophy next year.
Category three, best use of space available, was won by the Pannier Market Café — proprieters Jack and Sandra Parris were presented with the chamber of commerce cup by treasurer Lyn Roberts.
There was no overall winner in the best shop window display category.
This year's competition judges were Tavistock mayor Judith Williams, Barbara Perry, chairman of Tavistock Flower Club, Janette Rawlings, Janet Nowell representing Tavistock Lions Club and Mr Highfield.