A SEASIDE town has beaten Knutsford in the Britain in Bloom contest.

Poulton Le Fylde - on the outskirts of Blackpool - was awarded top honours at a special ceremony in Southport on Friday.

It was another blow for Knutsford - beaten into second place last year by Hyde.

"I thought it was a shame for all the people who had put so much effort in," said town mayor Hilda Gates on Monday.

Knutsford's campaign had been spearheaded by Clr Jennifer Holbrook, who had joined Clr Gates at the awards ceremony.

On Monday Poulton was counting its lucky stars - and attributed some of its success to a PEDESTRIANISED market square.

"I think that feature lends itself to the competition," said Grant Sellars, head of leisure at Wyre Borough Council.

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