Plot holders at Sheet and Tilmore allotments were judged on their creativity and productivity in the annual honours.

The competition for the coveted Best Kept Allotment award was a close run affair, taking a full day to judge, but the Tilmore Road Allotments winner was Mick Ellecker, with Paul Farley runner-up.

At Sheet's allotments the winners were Jonathan Ball and Michael and Alison Bruce for first and second prize respectively.

First prize was a £50 cheque from Petersfield Town Council while second prize was a £20 voucher to spend in the Allotment Association's trading shed.

The winning plots were very differently cultivated. Mick Ellecker with his dog Jack, and Michael and Alison Bruce have an open bed system with rows of vegetables stretching the breadth of the plots.

Paul Farley has a raised bed system including a small pond for wildlife, and Jonathan Ball has a mixture of the two. All have a variety of flowers that bring an extra touch of glamour.

An award for creativity was won by Sophie Lees, with help from her two seven-year-old daughters, Rebecca and Bridget.

This plot has been themed on Rebecca's rag doll, Nanny Dottie, and the plot is adorned with doll-like scarecrows that are dressed each year with the clothes the twins have out-grown.

At Sheet, Annie and Andrew Solstice have created an 'Eco-Pod.'

This was handmade out of willow and hazel branches woven to create a geodesic dome type structure, covered in reclaimed industrial cling film with a final layer of reclaimed builders' netting.

It was clear that many plot holders had worked consistently hard on their plots but two plots stood out and have been highly commended.

These were Steven Murley and Teresa Taylor, from Tilmore, and Mr and Mrs Watson, from Sheet.

Kathleen Higgs, of the Sheet and Tilmore Allotment Society, said: "Allotments are a valuable part of our community. The Allotment Act entitles plot holders to grow fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and to keep bees, chickens and rabbits.

"Allotments offer a valuable way to reduce food miles and save money while keeping fit in the fresh air and provides a fantastic opportunity to meet other like-minded people."

If anyone is interested in obtaining an allotment plot contact Fiona Mort at Petersfield Town Council for more information on 01730 264182.