And those who went that extra mile were rewarded for their hard work and creativity at the annual Battle In Bloom awards on a perfect summer's evening at The Almonry.

Cllr Richard Bye, of the Battle Town Council Allotments Committee, was in attendence to present the awards to residents who have worked wonders with their plot.

Margaret Southworth was presented with the cup for Best Large Allotment for her plot at 2 Virgins Croft, whilst Mr Carson, who could not attend the ceremony, was runner up for his plot at 2b Cherry Gardens.

The Best Small Allotment prize went to Nick Marriott for 6a Virgins Croft, with runner-up prize to Shirley Firmani for 8b Cherry Gardens.

Anne Dunk won Most Improved Allotment for 5a Virgins Croft, whilst Ms Williams of 5 Cherry Gardens, who could not be at the ceremony, scooped the Commendation Certificate.

Battle mayor Cllr Ron Harris presented the Rosaline Cup for Best Year Round Display to NatWest Bank, which was received by Neil Hobden.

In a double whammy of awards, NatWest also won the Spooner/Leicester Plate for the Best Floral Display By A Bank Or Building Society.

Mary Scott, of Raggs Boutique, proudly lifted the Gough Cup for the Best Hanging Baskets, whilst Vijey Thiva of Battle Post Office collected the 1066 Cup for the Best Floral Display By Non-Catering Commercial Premises.

The Community Prize, the Chamber of Commerce Cup, went to Saxonwood Court, the Netherfield Arms won the Observer Plaque for the Best Floral Display By A Public House and the Thorpe Trophy for Best Floral Display By A Restaurant was claimed by the Blacksmiths Restaurant.

Ms Walters won the Burstow & Hewitt Trophy for the Best Front Garden In Lower Lake and Don and Janet Fellows, of 54 Asten Fields, collected the Civic Association Shield for Best Container Garden.

Wendy Mansfield was pleased to pick up two awards for Karibu at Netherfield Hill.

Norman Nuttall, of Battle Floral and Horticultural Society, handed over the Marjorie Spratt Cup for Best Front Garden and the Floral and Horticultural Cup for Best Hidden Garden.

Chris Hone of Battle Flower Club presented the Judges Special Award to Ray Broomfield of 6 Starrs Mead.

And Margaret Emeleus, of Beautiful Battle, handed over the Best Newcomer Award to Battle Police Station, which was collected by PCSO Chris Dewitt.