THE winners of the 2009 Ferndown In Bloom competition have been announced.

Three judges took over five hours to inspect 48 entries from residential and business properties.

The contest was revived this year.

Key sponsor Haskins Garden Centre will host the award ceremony on September 30.

All entrants will be invited to join the Ferndown In Bloom committee, led by former town mayor Lesley Dedman and town councillor Steven Lugg.

Cllr Lugg said: “We have been greatly encouraged by not only the number but also the quality of the entries this year.

“The more streamlined competition combined with higher prize values seems to have appealed to a new generation of people who enjoy gardening and who take pride in their business premises.”

Best front garden: 1 Lyn Ovens of Ringwood Road; 2 Robin and Marie Fitzwalter of Wimborne Road West; 3 Cyril Haywood of Farm Road, West Moors. Highly commended: Sandra Noakes of West Moors; DJ Pile in Ferndown; Mrs K Donovan of Gladelands Park, Ferndown.

Best business or retail: 1 Apple Home Improvements at West Parley; 2 White Heather Public House; 3 Solicitors Luff Brook Carter. Highly commended: The Merchant of Venice Delicatessen.

Best patio, balcony or terrrace: Sue Hook, manager of St Mary’s Mews Private Retirement Flats.

Best community spirit award: Ron Pearce at Homelands House Gardens, Ringwood Road.