Exmouth may have narrowly missed out on regaining the coveted St Bridget’s Cup, the ‘best of the best’ award, in this year’s South West in Bloom competition – by a fortnight.

At the recent annual South West in Bloom awards ceremony in Newquay, Exmouth won a gold award for the third time in four years – despite the town unable to enter last year because of budget cuts.

Exmouth in Bloom chairman Pat Graham said “Normally the judging takes place last week of July when the flowers are in full bloom; this year they came to Exmouth on July 15.

“If they had come here two weeks later they really would have seen Exmouth at its best.

“We will give it our best shot and try to do better next year.”

Judge Terry Porter said: “The general appearance of the town was very good with many excellent views and displays.

“Your town was outstandingly clean and tidy and those responsible should be congratulated… we did not see evidence of graffiti and areas like the underpass were in very good condition.”