JOAN Kemp-Ambler's hobby paid off yesterday when she won her town's garden contest for the second year.

She was awarded the £50 prize after impressing judges with the colourful display at her home in Wellington Road, Barnard Castle.

Mrs Kemp-Ambler, who grows all her blooms from seed, was surprised when she won last year because she was secretly entered in the competition by her neighbour, Doreen Watson.

"But after winning the top prize then I decided to enter myself this time and am delighted to have won," she said.

Second prize in the contest, organised by Barnard Castle Town Council, went to Mr and Mrs J T Stobbs, of Marwood Drive. Third was M J Thorpe, of Dickens Road.

Highly commended were M Nelson, of Birch Road, and D W Husband, of Dawson Road.

First in the section for small gardens and patios were Mr and Mrs B A Thompson, of Queen Street.

Mr and Mrs L Everitt, of North Field, were second, with E M Tweddall, of Bowes Lyon House, third.

Highly commended were K A Murrell, of Bridgegate, G E Forrest, of Marshall Street, and E D Mitcheson, of Watson Court.

Other results were:

Business gardens: 1 Valentines Restaurant; 2 Cricketers Arms.

Baskets and window boxes: 1 C Sinclair, Watson Court; 2 R Makepeace, Watson Court; 3 Anthony Nixon Furniture.

Highly commended: James Hardy Antiques; H Best, Low Mill; L McGuire, Low Mill; and E M Jenkinson, Raby Avenue.