A RETIRED couple were delighted to be told they had the best garden in Upton.

Judges of the town's in bloom competition awarded Bill and Ann Middleton, from Rectory Road, the prizes for best back garden and best overall garden.

The competition is run annually as part of Upton's entry in Heart of England in Bloom. This year, it attracted more than 40 entries.

Mr and Mrs Middleton are both keen gardeners, but had never entered the competition before.

Mrs Middleton said: "It was a huge surprise to win, but of course a very nice one. It was only a bit of fun for us really, one of our neighbours persuaded us to enter."

She said she thought the garden's pond and water feature, and its overall appeal, might have impressed the judges.

Other winners included Pepperpot Flowers for best shop window and The Jockey at Baughton for best pub display.

The winners were presented with trophies during a ceremony at The Church Rooms, Old Street, on Friday, August 18.

Bloom committee member Jackie Surtees praised the standard of the entries.

"The entries were excellent in all classes and we certainly didn't envy the judges," she said.