Thieves who stole bedding plants failed to foil a town's bid to clinch an award in this year's South East in Bloom contest.

Crawley has been placed second in the city class for areas with populations between 70,000 and 150,000. Last year the town won the class but was beaten this summer by Guildford.

Judges said they were saddened by the theft of bedding plants from the Memorial Gardens the day before the judging.

Crawley Borough Council's parks staff managed to plant replacements before the judges arrived.

The judges were particularly impressed with the colourful hanging baskets in the town centre.

Tilgate Park was praised as "a wonderful asset to the town" with many fine specimen trees and interesting shrub plantings.

The judges also commented on the cleanliness of the town and said there was little evidence of litter or graffiti.

Council executive member for leisure and cultural services Jim Smith said: "Getting a second place is good for the town and the important thing is for people to take part and enjoy their handiwork."