NEWENT was filled with colour as local people pulled out all the stops for the first ever Newent in Bloom competition.

Residents, traders and community groups put their gardening skills to the test to create baskets, beds and tubs overflowing with beautiful flowers.

Competition spokeswoman Lynn Ashton said: "This was really a pilot run to see what people thought and the response has been amazing. People have really got together and made an effort.

"The town council volunteered to water the baskets and tubs, thinking there would be about 15 to 25, but in the end there were 150."

Ms Ashton said she was hopeful the competition would be repeated next year.

Judges Sue Holland and Tracy Balbini announced the winner on Tuesday.

The supreme champion was Laureen Bakewell, of America Gardens, with a special X-Factor award going to 1st Newent Scouts for planting 5,000 wildflower seeds for the competition.

Ann Vizor at Newent Post Office, winner of the best commercial premises, said: "I'm really pleased we won, as there were lots of excellent entries. Feedback from customers has been very good and the town looks really nice."

Certificates will be presented to winners at the Newent Onion Fayre on Saturday, September 10. Pictures of entrants and their handiwork will be on display in the library for a fortnight afterwards.

Class winners

Front garden: Okanagan, Culver Street.

Hanging basket: Corner Shop Dress Designers.

Planted container: Queen Anne Cottage, Culver Street.

Commercial Premises: Newent Post Office.

Public and community premises: Newent Library.

Neighbourhood effort: Residents of 42-45 Johnstone Road.

Frontage without a garden: 6-7 Church Way.

Youth group effort: Newent Brownies, Rainbows, Scout, Cubs and Youth Centre.

Planted container, child under 16: Newent Rainbows and Brownies and Newent Youth Centre.