Crawley was celebrating today after winning the prestigious South East in Bloom award at the first attempt.

The town ousted Woking, which has had a virtual monopoly on the competition over the past five years.

Crawley scooped the Wyevale Trophy for the city class and the BAA London Gatwick Trophy for the best new entrant.

Coun Jim Smith, Crawley Council spokesman for leisure and culture, said: "This is marvellous news, although I'm not surprised because we have a very high standard in Crawley.

"It's so good to have a town where we have so many beautiful gardens and open spaces."

The judges were impressed by Crawley's landscaping features, the town's abundance of hanging baskets and the large number of well cared for front gardens.

A conservation area at Desmond Anderson School was described as exceptional, while Tilgate Park was seen as the jewel in the crown. The judges were also impressed with the amount of business sponsorship gained for the competition.

Crawley principal parks officer Malcolm Tomlinson said: "This is the culmination of six years of hard work, starting from very little. Crawley's success shows what happens when everyone pulls together to raise standards."

Woking, in Surrey, has been the champion in the city class from 1995.

It won it every year apart from 1998 when it was not allowed to enter because it had won the category three times in a row.

But that year it won the city class of the national award, Britain in Bloom.

Mike Briggs, marketing manager of County Mall shopping centre and chairman of Crawley Chamber of Commerce, said it was a great honour for the town.

He said: "We have worked long and hard to improve Crawley's image and this is just the icing on the cake.

"It is great for the town and great for the people who have put so much hard work into it. Crawley Council has gone for it in a big way."

Mr Briggs said: "The High Street is looking particularly attractive with its topiary, which has softened everything. The wonderful displays are helping to attract people to the area."

Traders spent nearly £20,000 on flower displays, with the council pledging to supply one plant for every one bought by sponsors.

Charmaine Smith, of Crawley Council's leisure services department, said: "It shows modern towns can look as beautiful as anywhere else."