CREDITON'S allotments are an inspiration, "a beacon of encouragement" allotment holders were told at the annual meeting of the Boniface Allotment Association, when prizes for the best plots were handed out.

One again this summer the judge was Tony Connell of Coldridge, an RHS judge. Crediton Mayor Cllr Frank Letch with the Mayoress Mrs Natalia Letch, made the presentations on behalf of Crediton Town Council which runs the Floral Crediton competition.,

On display was the huge shield that used to be awarded for the best exhibit at the summer shows of Crediton and District Allotments and Gardens Association, which closed about five years ago.

This was first awarded in 1949 to H J Sherren for gloxinias. The last name on the shield was I Huxtable in 2002 for dahlias.

Cllr Letch said that Mr Connell had commented that there were "several outstanding plots" and people had his heartiest admiration and congratulations for the work they put in.

Prizewinners were:

Exhibition Road - 1 Miles Haggar, 2 Mr A Wright, 3 Alec Gratton. Moffats Land - Mr Stephens. Barnfield - 1 Mr Alan Stewart , 2 Mr Huxam, 3 Mr and Mrs Acott.

Judge's favourite allotment was that of Mr and Mrs May on Exhibition Road. Mr and Mrs May have been cultivating their plot of some years,

Phil Thomas of Linscombe Farm, Sandford, where he and his wife grow organic vegetables sold through veggie box schemes in the area and Crediton Farmers' Market, among other outlets, gave an illustrated talk about their work and produce.

The meeting was held at Crediton Methodist Church.