A DELEGATION representing Minehead in Bloom flew back to Britain this week after finishing runners-up in their category at the Nations in Bloom awards held in China.

The judges 'saw stars' when details of Minehead's space theme floral displays with its rockets and planets - a tribute to science fiction writer Arthur C Clarke - were unveiled .

For their efforts, Minehead Town Council chairman Cllr Meigan Lyons, Minehead in Bloom chairman Cllr Martyn Snell and secretary Sandra Slade were awarded a silver certificate in Shenzhen, China.

Their category, for towns with a population of less than 10,000, pitted Minehead against opposition from Finland and Slovakia but Conakilty, in Ireland, managed to land the spoils.

Minehead was judged on its protection of the landscape and heritage as well as on its floral displays.

For the finals, a 35-minute presentation including slides and a video was produced and backed up with a ten-minute question and answer session with the three judges.

Originally, some 400 communities from around the world submitted entries to the competition and these were whittled down to just 45 for the finals in the Far East.

Speaking from China, Mrs Lyons said: "The presentation went well and this is the most fantastic opportunity to meet other people from small communities and listen to their ideas and experiences of managing the environment in their parts of the world.

"Getting through to the finals was triumph in itself and the organisers repeatedly said that getting that far meant all were winners.

"We only got that far thanks to Sandra Slade who wrote our original submission. The judges were obviously impressed with what she said.

"Nations in Bloom is not just about the flowers - it's all about liveable communities where everyone plays their part in improving their environment. Recycling, sustainability and heritage management are what it's all about."

Cllr Snell said yesterday (Thursday): "One thing we really noticed was how greatly other countries' entries were supported by not only their communities but their regional and national governments both financially and with publicity.

"It seemed that only the UK entrants had struggled with funding and sponsorship to attend and recognition for their efforts in doing so.

"Here in Minehead we were really grateful for the sponsorship we received from Sir Arthur C Clarke, Exmoor National Park Authority and South West Tourism."

He added: "Our video was sponsored by both the Chamber of Trade and the Hotels' Association. Without them, and one or two individuals, we would not have been able to attend as we were determined not to use Council Tax monies."

The three delegates are pictured back in Minehead yesterday with the town's trophy.

Photo: Steve Guscott