Minster in Bloom 2008 ended its seventh successive year with an award ceremony in the village’s Abbey Hall.

Winners enjoyed a complimentary buffet after being presented with their prizes by the deputy mayor and mayoress of Swale, Cllr Rick and Kay Barnicott.

Cllr Ken Ingleton, parish council chairman, congratulated residents on their achievements and said that despite the weather they managed to maintain their surroundings to a very high standard.

He added: “The judges had their work cut out this year as they had to walk countless miles and look over more than 5,000 gardens which they had to narrow down to 50, They then had to face the impossible task of choosing the best in each category.

A raffle was held during the evening and proceeds will be donated to the village’s New Road Community Centre.