WELLINGTON is blooming lovely - and that's official after the town gained top honours in the South West in Bloom competition.

Wellington gained Silver Gilt in the small towns' section, just missing out to Truro in the title race for the Portman Cup.

Miserable weather this year conspired against the huge efforts put into the annual in Bloom competition by both Taunton Deane Borough Council's hard-working parks and nursery staff and the many volunteers who roll up their sleeves to put the district on the horticultural map.

Wellington Neighbourhood Award winners were WAG and Swains Lane, both deemed outstanding - the highest accolade - while the Basins Woodland gained a Merit.

Read more, plus all your local news, in tomorrow's WWN.