A number of Hethersett gardens would not look out of place at top shows such as Chelsea and Hampton Court, according to a Royal Horticultural Society judge.

A number of Hethersett gardens would not look out of place at top shows such as Chelsea and Hampton Court, according to a Royal Horticultural Society judge.

After judging the annual Hethersett in Bloom and open gardens competition, Terry Read made the comments at a special prize presentation evening in Hethersett Village Hall.

'There are a number of very talented people in Hethersett and some of the gardens I have seen could easily be transported to Chelsea or Hampton Court,' he said.

The evening was organised by the Hethersett Environmental Action Team (HEAT) and Hethersett Parish Council and chair of the council Fred Watkins paid tribute to leading local environmentalist George Beckford who died earlier this year:

'This evening helps us to appreciate the tremendous contribution made by George,' he said before announcing the following prize winners from the two events.

Hanging Baskets winner, Mrs Woods; highly commended, Mr John Barksfield. Tubs winner, Mr John Barksfield; highly commended, Mr Chris Morriss. Patios winner, Mr Chris Morriss; highly commended, Mrs Woods. Gardens (joint winners), Mr Arnall and Mr Brown; Highly commended, Mrs Watts and Mrs Eden.

Business Section: Hanging Baskets winner, The Queen's Head; highly commended, Church Farm Garages. Patio winner, Ivan Fisher Funeral Directors.

Before the presentations there was a slide show of the events put together by Dr Anne Edwards. The open gardens event raised �580.45 for Hethersett Jubilee Youth Club and a cheque was presented by Mr Watkins to Colin Wilson and Gillian Saunders representing the club.

'I would like to thank everyone for their hard work. The cheque will make a difference to our building fund as we approach the youth club's re-opening date of September 26,' Gillian Saunders said.