BEER bloomed for gardening competition judges on Friday. Lyndsay Weaver and Martin Ford joined members of Beer Horticultural Society for a tour of the village in all its floral splendour.

BEER bloomed for gardening competition judges. Lyndsay Weaver and Martin Ford joined members of Beer Horticultural Society for a tour of the village in all its floral splendour.

From Pegasus Cottage in Fore Street, they visited focal points including St Michael’s Church, Barnards Farm, Beer Primary School and Pecorama.

Society president George Bastone, chairman Ursula Makepeace and show secretary Jackie Spencer led the way. George, 90, of Underleys, was proud of what had been achieved, saying the almshouses in Causeway were looking particularly good. “Ursula’s great at getting everyone involved,” he said.

East Devon District Council had donated hanging baskets for Fore Street, while society members constructed, among other displays, the ships wheel and anchor outside the church.

“There was a big cleaning and dead-heading operation last night,” said Ursula, of Pegasus Cottage. “We got 15 Scouts to help clear the brook and they had a great time. It’s good to get the young people involved.”

Lynsdsay, parks development officer for Torbay council, has a background in landscape and garden design and has been an In Bloom judge for five years. Martin, from Weston-Super-Mare has been involved longer than he can remember.

He said: “We look for horticultural excellence, community effort and environment and biodiversity. It’s been a lovely day to be out and about in Beer.”