THE winners of the annual allotment competition gathered at Basingstoke's Civic Offices to receive their prizes from the borough mayor.

More than 50 of the borough's 948 plot-holders entered the event - which was judged by the Hampshire Federation of Horticulture.

The judges decided on the eventual winners using the criteria: standard of sheds, number of weeds, health of plants and maintenance and layout of plot.

The top three plot-holders in the categories "over five rods" (a site greater than 125 square metres) and "five rods and under" (less than 125 square metres) received a cup and a small cash prize.

However, all entrants who achieved in excess of 250 marks also received a gift.

Borough council community parks officer Brian Saunders, who is responsible for the allotments, said he was very pleased with the quality of entries.

"The competition has been running for about 20 years now and the standard seems to go up every year," he said.

"It's been a very competitive event and I'm glad I didn't have to judge it."

The full results are as follows:
Over 5 rods

  • First: Mr F Willis, Eastrop, 299 points
  • Second: Mr J East, Eastrop, 276 points
  • Third: Mr P Mancino, Cordale Road, 274 points

5 rods and under

  • First: Mrs C Simpson, Eastrop, 302 points
  • Second: Mrs K Trueman, Hatch Warren, 268 points
  • Third: Mr C Wolstenholme, Tiverton Road, 266 points

In addition to the above, trophies were awarded to the following:
Over 5 rods

  • Mr R LeMarechal, Eastrop, 268 points
  • Mr G Cane, Cordale Road, 265 points
  • Mr B Barnes, Cordale Road, 265 points
  • Mr D Doel, Cambrian Way, 263 points
  • Mrs G Tambascia, Cordale Road, 255 points

5 rods and under

  • Miss K Hudson, Hackwood Road, 264 points
  • Mr P Wicker, Hatch Warren, 258 points