NEARLY �1,000 in cash raised at a secluded gardens event in Sidmouth this month will make a bloomin’ big difference to the town’s floral features.

Sidmouth in Bloom driving forces said this week “every penny counts” as they bid to ensure district council cuts don’t hinder the organisation’s 40th anniversary celebrations next year. A six-day flower-fest from July 1 to July 6 raised �939 and gave residents and visitors the chance to see nine hidden beauty spots in the town including areas in All Saints Road, Broadway and Woolbrook Park.

Sidmouth in Bloom president Joy Seward hailed the event “a wonderful success in difficult times.”

“For six days and nine gardens to make that money is brilliant,” she said, “We’re very happy about how much we have made. The garden owners really worked hard and we’re most appreciative.

“Money is tremendously important, we’re trying to raise as much as we can. We know there will be no plants from East Devon District Council next year- and that’s our 40th year so we really do want to pull out all the stops.”