DOZENS of green-fingered gardeners came together for the Colchester in Bloom awards ceremony.

Horticulturists battled the dry summer to create their entries for a variety of categories for the eight edition of the competition which returned following a break last year.

Mayor Peter Chillingworth presented the awards to the winners at the packed Moot Hall during the evening which was compered by councillor Theresa Higgins and Lee Connelly - one half of the Skinny Jeans Gardeners.

Shops, pubs, churches, funeral parlours, care homes and front gardens were all represented and awarded their cups and certificates.

Chairman of Colchester in Bloom, Pam Schomberg hailed all the entrants.

She said: "The judges had some stunning gardens to look at, and with such a dry hot summer it has been a challenge for everyone to keep everything growing.

"It is a credit to all these people who make the effort and contribute to make Colchester a better place to live.

"Front gardens are at a premium now with so many new builds being built without them, or too many gardens now dedicated to car parking.

"For 2019 lets have more pubs and shops sporting floral displays.

"It will transform them and the town."

Leroy and Cheryl Fox were named as the overall winners.

The awards were sponsored by the Greyfriars Hotel and organised by Sherry Hodgson.

She said: "The businesses and front gardens of Colchester have really taken the awards to their hearts and we had a tremendous response.

"It is all about showcasing the best companies and individuals with floral displays in Colchester – next year it will be perfect and we hope to see twice as many people taking part."

Other winners included Lord Holland Road as best street, All Tanned Up and Medusa for best small shops and Sorano's for best restaurant.

A delighted Jim Ward, groundsman at the Officers' Club proudly shows off the prize for 'Best Club' presented at the 2018 Colchester in Bloom Awards, held at the Moot Hall. He successfully defended the title last won at the 2016 event.

The Officers' Club features some spectacular borders as well as hanging baskets, a sedum roof, lawns and a number of mature lime and beech trees.