Blooming marvellous - they just love our flowers!

The town fought off competition from Sittingbourne and Royal Tunbridge Wells to take first place in the small city category, improving on last year's joint-third placing.

Bloom chairman Sandra Melvin said after the ceremony at Horsham Drill Hall on Wednesday: "The judges said the seafront flower beds were the best they had seen in 30 years!"

A better quality of entry into Bexhill In Bloom aided the win.

"We had great co-operation from the community this year.

"It really is a great first - it is an honour and one that the whole town can be proud of, not just those who entered Bexhill in Bloom but everyone." said Sandra.

Seafront bedding was designed by Rother, using logos, words and figures in a 'planting by numbers system'.

Brian Griffiths was responsible for converting these into 'maps' to be used by Rother contractors John O'Connor for planting.

Maintenance throughout the season proved worthwhile, with the beds still on display now.

Judges were very impressed with local authority and children's involvement but said commercial and business premises could be improved.

In the permanent landscaping and planting section, judges noted the attractive permanent planting is residential areas.