Chris wins gold for his colourful political commentary at this year’s Royston in Bloom

A retired scientist wowed judges by making a strong political statement with his allotment design in this year’s Royston in Bloom competition.

Chris Wallis won a gold award for his garden, in which the faces of leaders of major political parties in the General Election loom over a beautiful rainbow flower display.

At either end of the allotment sit two political heavy weights of by-gone years – Margaret Thatcher and John Prescott – looking suitably unimpressed by the calibre of leaders on offer in the main bed area.

The 65-year-old said: “The rainbow theme made me think of the political parties in the election.

“It’s my political statement. I’m not very impressed by the quality of the political leadership – it doesn’t compare. The current leaders are pretty weak and have no self conviction. They don’t stand up for what they believe in.”

The Royston in Bloom judges said they were very impressed with the overall standard of the competition and would like to thank all entrants who took part in this year’s contest.

The winners of each category were:

Best front garden – Mr and Mrs Hawkins.

Best kept street or community area – Collingwood Court

Grow plants in an unusual container – Hinton & Kingham

Bill Prime Award for children growing plants in an unusual container using re-cycled materials – Ben and Esther Charter

Best kept allotment – Chris Wallis.