BLOOMING hanging baskets at The Fountain pub have been judged the finest in Ely. The Silver Street watering hole, owned by John Borland, was given the award for best pub by the Ely in Bloom committee who organised the competition for the first time this

BLOOMING hanging baskets at The Fountain pub have been judged the finest in Ely.

The Silver Street watering hole, owned by John Borland, was given the award for best pub by the Ely in Bloom committee who organised the competition for the first time this year, to celebrate the work pubs do in creating a green and pleasant environment in the city.

Ely-based artist Virginia Mull has been commissioned by the committee to create a pen and ink drawing of The Fountain to celebrate its win.

The Cutter, The Minster Tavern and the Lamb Hotel were highly commended.

After months of hard work, the judging day for Anglia in Bloom was held on Thursday. Judges George Dawson and Brian Thornton, themselves immaculately presented, headed out around the city with their clipboards. Pictured are the gentlemen at the Stuntney allotments, next to the A10.

Ely mayor Sheila Friend Smith, who is involved with Ely in Bloom as part of her agenda for a greener Ely, said: "The judges kept their cards quite close to their chest but what they did say that was absolutely wonderful about Ely was the community involvement. So many different groups - allotment holders, Friends of Jubilee Gardens, and the Scouts are involved in Ely in Bloom and I was thrilled to hear them say that. It's what Ely in Bloom is all about."

After their exhaustive tour of Ely's beauty spots, the panel retired to the bandstand in Jubilee Gardens for a spot of tea.

Anglia in Bloom judges George Dawson (far left) and Brian Thornton (third from left) join Ely in Bloom organisers Bryant Watson (far right) and Shirley Overall, with Britain in Bloom allotments representative Gerald Rolphe (centre).

Photos: HELEN DRAKE. 4579HD0708