DEDICATED volunteers from Budleigh Salterton and East Budleigh in Bloom were in a jubilant mood this week after scooping top prizes in this year s South West in Bloom competition.

DEDICATED volunteers from Budleigh Salterton and East Budleigh in Bloom were in a jubilant mood this week after scooping top prizes in this year's South West in Bloom competition.

Budleigh Salterton won the best small town in the South West award for the third year in succession.

They won gold and were awarded the Ayre Cup in the towns with a population of between 2,500 and 5,499 category after previously winning in 2007 and 2008.

They also bagged the new McDonalds Coastal Trophy for the best seaside entry in the South West.

East Budleigh won the Mary Mortimer cup for entrants with a population of less than 1,500 and were also awarded gold.

The success follows triumphs for Exmouth in Bloom, which won gold and the St Bridget's Cup in the large town category.

Exmouth also won a slew of discretionary and neighbourhood awards thanks to the Greenfingers Group at Exmouth Quay, Camperdown residents and volunteers at Brixington.

Littleham In Bloom volunteers were awarded the Silver Gilt in the small village category, as well as several community awards, thanks to the ladies in the British Legion, school children and members of youth group Chill.

Chairman of Budleigh in Bloom Pat Prew said: "We consider this to be quite an achievement and one of which we are extremely proud. I am so proud of my team of helpers.

"Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters, to Budleigh Salterton Town Council and to East Devon District Council and all of the Streetscene operatives and groundsmen who have all done us proud.

"I would also like to say a personal thank you to all of the committee and volunteer helpers who have made it possible for us to win these awards."

She added that, in a few weeks, they will get feedback from the South West in Bloom judges.

"This will, hopefully, help us to make improvements for next year's displays. We would like to pass on congratulations on Exmouth, Littleham and East Budleigh, who all had excellent results."

Diane Baker, of East Budleigh in Bloom, said: "We were absolutely delighted. We worked hard, but you never know what the judges are looking for, and you cannot take it for granted,

"The judging was quite early on and the begonias weren't even out. Now they look fabulous.

"It was community involvement, thanks to the volunteers and the school children.