The town's annual entries for the In Bloom competition have suffered under blazing sun and little rain, but competition chairman Sandy Melvin said the gardens have never looked better for inspection.

Peter Mills, of Battle Town Council, David Fitton MBE, a former head of horticulture at Plumpton Agricultural College, and Sean Towey of Bexhill groundsmen John O'Connor Ltd, followed Sandy on a detailed tour of 37 of Bexhill's gardens on Monday.

Points for colour, design, imagination and impact were given out of ten, with bonus points available for evidence of water conservation.

David said he was "encouraged" by the standard of many of the entries, adding, "it was pleasing to see so many new entries and the children's participation".

Peter, an old hand at judging Bexhill, said: "Despite the challenging hot weather the standard was very high and competition fierce, particularly in the private gardens category. Well done everybody"

Results from Monday's scores will be announced tonight (Friday) 23 July at the Bexhill in Bloom awards at Grosvenor Park, Brookfield Drive. The evening begins at 6pm, with refreshments from 5.15pm - all welcome.