THE regional judge for the Britain in Bloom dropped in to Minehead last Wednesday and was told of the problems the town was facing with vandalism.

John Carnell, of Paignton, went on a two-hour tour of the town and was able to view the displays on recycling and fundraising projects.

The tour, mostly by car, took in the whole of Minehead from Culvercliffe to the golf course and from Ellicombe to Bratton and up to North Hill.

During his visit, bloom committee chairman Cllr Martyn Snell spoke of the vandalism that has blighted the town's efforts recently.

Cllr Snell said: "During his tour, he was told of some of the difficulties that have beset the floral campaign this year including budget cuts and vandalism.

"Indeed, only the night before judging, the stream-side planting at Bratton was attacked by vandals and one of the 'torpedo' seats on the seafront was sprayed with graffiti."

Earlier this summer vandals caused £1,000 worth of damage when they wrecked the Millennium Rose Garden in Seaward Way.

"Since this was an area the judge would be visiting, and cleanliness and tidiness are an important part of the campaign, we are extremely grateful to the unknown resident who immediately went out and painted over the graffiti," said Cllr Snell.

He said the tour went well and the town "sparkled" with the magnificent displays by West Somerset Garden Centre.

"All of the town, traders, residents, local authority workers and the business community really rose to the occasion and, whether we do well or not, we can truly say that we did our best on the day and we are grateful to them."