Cloud Nine is awarded the annual Rotary Club trophy - but organisers urge more businesses to take part next year

Cloud Nine florists has won The Rotary Club of Axminster’s trophy for the best hanging basket display in the town centre.

Owner Sarah Cloud was presented with the award outside her shop in Victoria Place last week by vice president Don Waterhouse.

The competition was judged in mid-July, at the end of the period of hot dry weather and Mr Waterhouse commented that these conditions had delayed plant growth significantly.

But since mid July, plant growth had caught up and he said that all the baskets that were judged had improved significantly.

He added: “The quality of all of those that were judged was excellent but unfortunately this year numbers were low. It could improve the appeal of the town to visitors and residents alike during the summer season if more of the businesses in the town could add baskets to their premises - thoughts for 2018!”