THE army of gardeners who help make Torbay a place of floral beauty have been thanked at a special ceremony.

Around 120 entrants to the 2008 Bay Blooms competition received their awards at Paignton Zoo.

The competition has classes for everything from front gardens to containers, environmentally friendly gardens to community projects. Judging takes place in July.

Mayor Nick Bye said: "The Bay Blooms awards ceremony was a really up-beat and positive celebration of all the wonderful gardens and flower displays through the summer.

"I would like to put on record my thanks and appreciation to all those who have taken part and do so much to make our Bay look so beautiful."

Lindsay Evans, Torbay Council parks development officer and one of the competition organisers, said: "It was a very successful evening."

Torbay in Bloom Plus chairman Tim Eley said that next year, more gardeners than ever will be encouraged to take part in the competition as their front garden displays and community projects play an important part in the marks that Torbay can win in its In Bloom entries — and Torbay is also next year hosting the national Britain in Blooms awards ceremony.