An impressed South West in Bloom judge has praised Beer on ‘taking her breath away’ in its bid to win a third gold.

Brenda Wright visited the village on Wednesday and was given a tour by committee members of Beer in Bloom.

The village is going for gold number three in as many years and is preparing for its debut in the Britain in Bloom competition next month.

The judge said: “First and foremost, thank-you for the wonderful warm welcome; it is my first time to Beer and I’ve really, really, enjoyed it. My breath has been taken away by the things you have shown me. It’s really wonderful.”

As well as the quality of Beer’s floral displays, the judge was also looking at community involvement and the village’s approach to looking after the environment.

She said: “The community spirit plays a large part of that and that comes over loud and clear - walking round today I can see everyone’s enthusiasm.

“You have a standard to maintain and I think you have kept that standard.”

She added that she was impressed with the cleanliness of the village, particularly on the beach, before wishing Beer the best of luck for the national competition.

She said: “We really want you to do well.”

In a presentation to the judge, president of Beer in Bloom, Ursula Makepeace, thanked an army of volunteers who have helped spruce up the village in the run-up to the judging.

Mrs Makepeace said: “It’s given me great pleasure to do something for the village. We have always received a warm welcome. It’s nice to give something back.”

Speaking to the Herald about the visit, she added: “We have discussed the route and she [Mrs Wright] thoroughly enjoyed it and gave us some useful ideas which we are taking account of for the next run on August 1.”