A RIOT of colour outside a Fair Oak pub has run away with the top accolade in Eastleigh council's Borough in Bloom competition.

Known as "the pub with the flowers", the Fox and Hounds at Crowd Hill was chosen as the outstanding entry in the 1999 competition, sponsored by Haskins Garden Centre.

The Fox and Hounds triumphed in the best outside business display category, was named the best pub in the competition and also took the shield for the best overall entry.

By winning the Haskins shield, the pub also became the first premises to notch up two overall wins in the ten-year history of the competition. They previously took the shield in the mid 1990s.

Eastleigh mayor Jane Welsh was on hand to present around 50 awards in 16 different categories ranging from allotments to containers at the Borough in Bloom prize-giving evening.

Andrew de Lisle of Hamble School triumphed in the children's painting competition, winning £25 for his school. His picture will also be used on next year's Borough in Bloom poster.

General manager of Haskins Garden Centre at West End, Julian Winfield said: "We were again delighted to sponsor this excellent event which helps to encourage everyone to brighten up the environment in which they live and work."

Steve Collins, Eastleigh council's marketing and promotions officer, said: "We were delighted to organise this competition and pleased to see such a high standard of entries despite the difficult summer for gardeners."

Other Borough in Bloom results: Best large front garden and best hanging basket: Mrs Pauline Byrne of Horton Heath; best medium front garden: Mrs Hala Humphries, Chandler's Ford: best small front garden: Mr Len Baker, Chandler's Ford.

Best front garden (first entry, any size) and best dry garden: Mr C Currie, Fair Oak; best front garden (disabled entry): Mr Michael and Mrs Sophie Krywiczanin, Eastleigh; best hanging basket (commercial premises): Mr Richard and Mrs Jane Perritt, the Brigadier Gerard, Horton Heath.

Best window box: Mr W Pink, Botley; best container: Mrs M Stopinski, Chandler's Ford. Best housing estate (private): Whalesmead Estate; best housing estate (sheltered): Lincoln Court.

Best school garden display: Alderman Quilley, Eastleigh.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.