JUDGING of the best railway station gardens on the Tarka Line from Exeter to Barnstaple in the 2018 Tarka Line Station Garden Competition took place on Friday, July 27.

Alan Clark, Station Officer and Secretary, Tarka Rail Association, said: "The weather was cloudy but dry with the continuous threat of a light shower.

“Although the preceding early summer hot weather has had an impact on the displays, the stations again put on a good show of colour and innovation. “The two judges this year were Matthew Barnes, Great Western Railway Regional Development Manager and Richard Burningham, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership Officer.

“The party also included Melanie Harvey, Station Manager (Great Western Railway) for the line and Alan Clark, the Station’s Officer for the Tarka Rail Association.

“They travelled to each of the seven railway stations that were judged in the competition.

“After much deliberation the first prize was awarded to Umberleigh with 171 points with Chapleton second with 168 and Newton St Cyres third with 163.

“Copplestone came a very respectable fourth with 161 points and were only 10 points behind the winners.”

Runners-up were Morchard Road, Portsmouth Arms and Crediton.

Umberleigh’s gardening team were Ruth, Francesca and Richard who are from the University of the Third Age in South Molton.

The competition is an annual event that is organised by the Tarka Rail Association with help from Great Western Railway.