Bernie Sheppard, of Mitford Road, Alresford, has scooped the top prize in Winchester City Council's best front garden competition.

He and his wife, Helen, who have lived in Alresford for 45 years, keep their display in top form by deadheading and feeding their tubs, planters and borders regularly.

With a small but perfectly-formed garden, the couple have even found room for a bubble fountain in this green oasis, which is a riot of colour, packed with every kind of cottage garden plant.

Best sheltered scheme winner was Victoria House, in the city centre, where, thanks to scheme manager, Gloria Pike, and her willing waterers, a gloriously colourful display is sustained throughout the summer months to delight the 23 residents.

Assistant managers, Sally Dunn and Denise Stephens, along with four helpers, water the blooms at this extra care scheme, which also boasts a scree garden and a massed planting of Japanese anemones, which are maintained by Serco, the city council's contractor.

Some of the residents have sponsored individual planters while the rest are paid for from the scheme's amenity fund.

The best hanging basket award went to 74-year-old Joan Sherfield, of West Meon, who produced a display of over 50 crammed with fuchsias, geraniums and petunias.

Judge, Sandy Worth, of Water Meadow Nursery, Cheriton, was so impressed with the interest that the residents had created at Chester Court sheltered housing scheme that she gave a special prize to John McDonagu and the residents.

All the prizewinners received garden vouchers and Sandy presented a selection of plants for a shady corner as the judge's prize.