PETERSFIELD has won the town class in this yearÕs Southern England in Bloom competition run by the Southern Tourist Board.

It is the third time the town has won its class since it began entering the competition in 1990. It won in 1993 and 2000.

Announcing the winners, a spokesman for the board said: ÒJudging was very close and the standard of entries continues to improve.

ÒPoints were awarded for commitment within the community, absence of graffiti and litter, floral impact which can be enjoyed by all and evidence of joint effort on behalf of residents, local authorities and the business sector.Ó

Two judges came to Petersfield on July 8 to spend the morning touring the town. The weather was dreadful, with torrential rain driven by a strong wind.

They were welcomed to St PeterÕs Church by the Mayor of Petersfield, Mary Vincent, the president of Petersfield in Bloom, Pippa Greenwood, and the chairman, Dick King.

They saw displays on environmental, recycling and art and craft projects from many of the townÕs organisations and individuals. There were also the winning entries of the childrenÕs painting comnpetition organised by Petersfield in Bloom, which attracted 422 entries.

Even though the weather was so bad, the tour went ahead as planned both on foot and by minibus.

ÒIn Bloom is a whole yearÕs effort,Ó said Mr King. ÒWe started planning back in September last year and a lot of hard work goes in from the committee members and the community.

ÒWe would like to thank all the sponsors and those who have raised money to help the campaign.

ÒThe aim is to beautify Petersfield and to give people enjoyment. The competition is just a small part of that.Ó

Petersfield was also highly commended in the Best Floral Design regional award for the Bell Hill roundabout jubilee design showing a golden crown on a purple cushion.

ÒThe Bell Hill design was created by Mike Cox,Ó said Mr King. ÒHe designed all the floral displays in the town except the Sheet Link roundabout, which was donated by Estee Lauder and Whitman Laboratories, and the bed beside the Festival Hall, which was designed by the In Between Group. I think this year Mr Cox has excelled himself.Ó

The awards will be presented at the prizegiving at Wimborne Minster on Thursday, October 17.