BLOOMING marvellous! The Fylde Coast has come out on tops for its efforts to brighten up the North West.

The region took four main trophies in this year's North West In Bloom competition. And if that wasn't enough, Poulton and Staining have been put forward for national judging.

All was revealed at the Southport Flower Show when Blackpool retained best large city for the third year, Lytham picked up best small town, Poulton, pictured, won best town and Staining best large village.

Fleetwood and St Annes earned runner-up places while there were also accolades for several of Wyre's villages.

The news was met with delight back home on the Fylde, not least by Elaine Cowap, a co-ordinator of the Poulton steering committee who at one point was out litter-picking with colleague Jeanette Morley dressed in a Buzzy Bee outfit.

She commented: "We are absolutely thrilled to be representing the whole of the North West. It has taken a lot of hard work and a big thankyou must go to everybody who has helped.

"Something different is needed for the national entry but obviously we are not telling anybody. We want to get the children involved, though."

Gorgeous gardens, beautiful parks and the cleanliness of the town earned Blackpool its accolade according to Barry Shaw, co-ordinator for the resort's entry.

He added: "It is a tremendous achievement to win the trophy for the third consecutive year. Thanks to the local authority and the commercial and private sectors of the town - all who have been instrumental in helping to attain the high standard required."

Equally thrilled were members of Fylde in Bloom steering committee. Chairman John Longstaff commented: "Lytham has always done well because it is a neat and tidy town anyway. This year we had a bit more community effort which has lifted us up to the top.

"We have had a lot of help from volunteers and people who come up with new ideas so it's a big thankyou to them.

"The competition is one of the greatest initiatives going and we have a bit of friendly rivalry with Wyre. This year we both won something so everyone is happy."

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