A MOTHER and daughter team have swept the board with a handful of awards in this year's Winchester In Bloom competition.

Julie Allison and Amy Hussain, from Cundell Way, Kings Worthy, won best private front garden, best private entrance, and the ultimate accolade, best overall for horticultural excellence.

Mrs Allison, 48, said the weather had made it difficult for her and her 27-year-old daughter, who had to "change quite a lot of things" along the way.

The duo, who picked up a highly commended award in their first competition last year, said it is easy to become addicted to the competition.

"Everyday we were out there deadheading, weeding and cutting back.Whatever the weather, it had to be done," Mrs Allison said.

"We have already started planning for next year and intend to up our game even more."

In the commercial categories, delicattesen Cadogan and James, in The Square, won best frontage and best overall for horticultural excellence, and Gary Swan, at the King Alfred Pub in Saxon Road, came away with best hanging basket and best pub/hotel/restaurant display.

In the private gardens section, the other winners were: Jean Oliver, of Westman Road, best hanging basket; Mr and Mrs P Newman, of Mountbatten Court, best window box or container; Susan Rolling, of Chesil Street, best patio or balcony; Mr and Mrs P Newman, best individual planting within sheltered housing complex; Mrs R Donovan, of St Cross Road, best new entry.

The children's categories were also hotly contested, with 508 entries received from schools in Winchester. Alexandra Barr, from St Peter's Convent Nursery School, won the under-five category, Rohan May, from Weeke Primary School, won the five to seven years competition, and Ellie Potter won the eight to 11 years category.

All winning entrants will be invited to attend the annual presentation evening, which is sponsored by Winchester City Council.

Myrtle Cunningham, Winchester In Bloom spokesman, said: "It has been a job for people to get a good display this year.

"Depending on what you grow, some like the warm weather and some like wet. It has been difficult to get a good mix."