Anneka Rice trophy presented for the first time

A special trophy donated by TV presenter Anneka Rice has been awarded to the best front garden in Hunstanton.

The former presenter of Treasure Hunt and Challenge Anneka has a home in the area and donated the trophy this year for the first time.

It was awarded to Adrian and Catherine Winnington whose front garden impressed the judges and secured them the first prize.

The couple have only lived in the town a little over three years and last year their garden made the top ten.

But they put in extra work during the intervening months and were delighted to win the contest.

'We added more tubs with geraniums and tobacco plants in red, white and blue which was the theme for this year's competition,' said Mr Winnington.

The couple took early retirement from their jobs in teaching and moved to Andrew Place from Warwick.

Taking on a seaside garden brings its own challenges and using plants which can cope with little rainfall has helped.

'When we moved in the garden was just gravel with one pampas grass. It looks a lot different now.

'We have planted into the gravel and that helps to retain some moisture as we don't get a lot of rain,' said Mr Winnington.

The trophy was presented by West Norfolk's Deputy Mayor Liz Watson, who is also chairman of the Hunstanton in Bloom committee.

'Well-kept gardens show a pride in the area and make it feel so much more welcoming. This is particularly important in a tourist town like Hunstanton,' she said.

'The awards are a nice way to say thanks to residents for their efforts,' she added.

The competition was organised and judged by the Hunstanton Gardener's Association as part of the Hunstanton in Bloom campaign.

Prizes were donated by Thaxter's Garden Centre, Dersingham.

The committee is currently awaiting the results of the annual Britain in Bloom competition.

Hunstanton was one of just 76 towns, cities and urban communities invited to take part in the prestigious event.

Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society visited the town last week to have a close look.

Hopes are high that the town can top last year's silver-gilt award when the results are announced on September 25.

It is the third year running Hunstanton has been asked to take part.