FORGET pool tournaments and domino contests, the results of the most prestigious pub competition have been announced.

And the winner of South Ribble's Best Dressed Pub is - last year's runner up! The Seven Stars pub, in Leyland Lane, Leyland, came out top in one of the categories in this year's South Ribble Gorgeous Garden Category.

Ever since the contest was launched, the commercial premises section has been highly competitive, with publicans from across the borough stopping at nothing to create the most eye-catching display. But despite the tough competition, judges from South Ribble Borough's Park Service were dazzled by the Seven Star's hanging baskets, arranged by licensee Debbie Trask.

The Wagon and Horses, in Bent Lane, came second.

Debbie's partner Peter Pink said: "We came second last year and Debbie was determined to go one better this year.

"We were absolutely thrilled when we were told we had won it. Debbie is definitely the more green-fingered one and she put so much hard work into it."

Judges Carol Webster and Mark Billington described this year's crop of entries as 'the most stunning yet'.

Overall the most gorgeous garden went to Clare Walker of Fox Lane, Hoghton, with her beautiful secret garden which, according to Carol, 'oozed with originality, character and touches of humour'.

Valerie Parkinson, of Todd Lane North, Lostock Hall, came second while Jim Martin of St Saviour's Close, Bamber Bridge, came third with his patch, which he regularly opens to the public.

Top in the yards category was Maxine Ashton and Martin Cooke of Bent Lane, Leyland, who 'created lots of atmosphere in a tiny space using old pots and a shed'.

And Enid Roocroft, of Churchside, New Longton, won the hanging basket section with a collection of baskets and window boxes which engulfed her whole house.

Carol Webster said: "The standard was so high we had to issue six certificates of commendation as well!"

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.