PLANS for Minehead in Bloom 2000 got underway last week beginning with the election of new chairman, Cllr Martyn Snell.

The election followed the resignation of Mr Bryan Furney, and Mr Snell thanked him for his enthusiastic lead: "I know he will be a very hard act to follow," he added.

"Already for 2000, we are planning more fund raising events than ever before and we shall be seeking the support of all the town, both residents and traders, in this year's competition."

A new award, the Lionel Twist trophy, was donated by local resident Mr Twist, aged 95, who regularly enters garden competitions and won third prize last year in the container planting category.

The trophy will be awarded to the overall winner of all competitions - and Mr Snell said Mr Twist had promised to do his best to win it.

Members were also brought up to date with the progress of the new millennium rose garden and picnic area on Marshfield Common, Seaward Way.

This year, the garden will display 100 roses which were awarded as a prize last year and 60 climbing roses donated by West Somerset Garden Centre.

The official opening of the gardens is expected to take place in May.