A Selby couple's garden has been judged the best in town - and they didn't even enter the competition.

John and Shirley Collier take great pride in their front garden, in Petre Avenue, but it came as a bit of a surprise when the judges voted it their number one.

Mrs Collier said: "Someone else obviously entered us but we don't know who.

"We do it for our own benefit but it's nice when someone else appreciates it as well.

"The lawn is looking particularly good and it certainly paid off this year.

"It's the second time we have won the competition - and we didn't enter ourselves last time either. It's a real mystery."

The winner of the best commercial premises was the Cricketers Arms, in Gowthorpe. Best Secret Garden category winners were Carol Calvert and her partner, Richard Wildash, who live in a terraced house, in Londesborough Street.

Judges were Mayor of Selby, Joyce Dyson, town councillor Doreen Davies, and council allotments' representative, Tommy Watson.

They made their judgements on best use of space, variation of plants and general layout.

The three winners will receive a special plaque and certificate, plus a garden centre voucher, at a special presentation ceremony at Selby Town Hall, in September.

Updated: 12:15 Wednesday, July 30, 2003