WINNERS in the annual Petersfield in Bloom competition were presented with their 2021 awards by Petersfield’s mayor after the pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Judging in this year’s Petersfield Town Council competition – which is open to residents, businesses in different categories, and streets – was again done remotely, as it was last year.

And the winners couldn’t be presented with their shields until social distancing and other Covid restrictions were lifted.

Petersfield mayor and town councillor Phil Shaw said: “One of the highlights of my mayoral year so far was presenting winners’ plaques in this year’s online Petersfield in Bloom competition.

“I really enjoyed meeting those who put so much thought and effort into creating their wonderful entries.

“Hopefully next year we can revert to the traditional competition, and I encourage everyone to take part.”

In particular, the Downs House retirement home Gardening Club ‘Darby and Joan Topless’ entry caught the judges’ eye, and they awarded it the winners’ shield in the ‘Unusual’ category.

It was inspired by the term Darby and Joan that describes a devoted elderly married couple happy to share a quiet life.

For a full list of winners, see the website at https://www.petersfield-tc.gov.uk/petersfield-in-bloom-2021