A MYSTERY poisoner has attempted to sabotage a coastal town's efforts for this year's Britain in Bloom contest.

In a move which has baffled residents of Saltburn, east Cleveland, the poisoner secretly slipped weedkiller into a contractor's water tank, which was then used to spray scores of colourful displays around the town.

Resident Jackie Taylor, who works all year raising funds for the display, said last night: "People in the town are very, very upset.

"However, there is no way we will not have flowers and we have already ordered more."

The incident comes two weeks after vandals wrecked a 17ft floral display of Saltburn pier created especially for the contest.

Saltburn is one of 61 finalists in this year's contest, the fifth year it has been a finalist, and judges visited just before the flowers died.

Last year, the town received the Britain in Bloom Community Award 2002.

Hanging baskets adorned every shop and office and former railway station in the Grade II listed town centre, some trailing 10ft of flowers.

Judges from the Britain in Bloom panel are due to visit the town again next month.

Ms Taylor said that up to £9,000 had been spent on the original flowers and £6,500 on watering.

"The baskets will all be steam-cleaned to remove the poison, and we have found a market gardener to refill them," she said.

"We will have to use next year's funds to pay for them, but we will not let them beat us."

Saltburn resident Jan Boddy, said: "Our flowers are always a thrill for residents and visitors alike, so what kind of person would do this?"

Inspector Ian Garrett, of Cleveland Police, said: "We are as disappointed as the organisers. We will be carrying out an investigation."