BEXLEY Council celebrated its success in the London in Bloom competition this week by holding an awards ceremony.

Winners who received their awards included the managers of The Yacht pub in Long Lane, which was triumphant in the new ‘best public house and restaurant’ category.

The awards were presented to winners by the deputy Mayor of Bexley and his wife at the packed ceremony held in the Council Chambers at the Civic Offices.

Manager of The Yacht pub, Jason Togwell, said: “Many of our customers commented on how lovely the pub looked and every time I pulled up at the front, when the flowers were in full bloom, I felt a real sense of achievement.

“Until the awards evening we had no idea how competitive it was - we're really going to have to up our game next year to hold on to our title.”

More than 250 entries were received for the annual competition this year, which recognises the green-fingered residents of the borough.

The borough won a total of seven awards this year, including a silver gilt for the best city.