Green-fingered residents in Brighton and Hove have scooped a South East in Bloom award at their first attempt.

Judges praised the enthusiasm and hard work they put into adding a touch of colour to the two towns, rewarding them with first place in the large city class.

It was Brighton and Hove's first entry into the competition which is open to cities, towns and villages in Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

Judges, who visited the 52 South East entries, said the towns' efforts were well-planned and impressive in the category for places with a population of more than 150,000.

They particularly picked out residents of Hampshire Court, Brighton, and gardeners at the Weald Avenue allotments, Hove, for approval and praised their great enthusiasm for all things green.

Brighton and Hove Council leader Lynette Gwyn-Jones said the prize belonged to everyone who helped in the year's campaign and was the "ultimate reward" for their hard work.

She said: "We all share in this award from those residents who have planted hanging baskets, window boxes and borders and our magnificent allotment holders, to the schools and pupils who planted flowers, painted pictures and designed flower beds.

"It's a terrific achievement and one that we can all be proud of."

She thanked hoteliers and businesses who sponsored competitions and flower beds to make the towns' entry possible.

The team of judges also handed out special praise to the Foredown Tower and St Ann Well's gardens as well as encouragement given to children to get involved in gardening through competitions.

They considered floral design and colour as well as imaginative planting of trees and shrubs in parks, front gardens and natural habitats like the Downs.

But bright blossoms and colourful flowers beds were not the only things Brighton and Hove had on offer.

Judges also examined efforts by the council, businesses and residents to deal with larger issues affecting their environment like waste, recycling and energy efficiency.

Four towns and villages in Sussex scooped first place in the eight classes of the competition.

Crawley won the city class. Steyning beating off two other West Sussex towns to come top of the small country town category.

Bramber, near Steyning, won the trophy for the best village with a population less than 600.

Special awards recognising achievements like best new entrant, community involvement and environmental initiatives were given to Crawley, Billingshurst and Rottingdean for their composting scheme.

Pupils at Palatine School in Goring grabbed top prize in the Young Gardeners' Award for their many horticultural projects.