FLOWER Power has prevailed for the second year running in Orsett.

Locals have been celebrating after their historic village was named the Best Large Village in Anglia for the second year running.

It beat off stiff competition from across South East England including Clare in Suffolk, Harlington in Bedfordshire and Kirby-le-Soken, close to Frinton.

David Shaddock, chairman of Orsett in Bloom, said: "This award is a credit to all the people of the village who put in so much effort throughout the whole year.

"I am delighted."

The judges assessed the village on a number of factors; not only the traditional ones such as floral arrangements and permanent displays, but also factors more in keeping with the ecological concerns of the 21st century.

David continued: "The judges also mark us on conservation and recycling.

"They want to see evidence of community involvement, partnership and awareness."

George Dawson, chairman of judges for Anglia in Bloom, said: "Orsett gained a mark of 175 out of 200.

"That is an excellent mark and Orsett gained a gold award.

"Orsett is a very impressive village indeed. To win two gold awards, two years in a row is remarkable."

The grading system is based on the Royal Horticultural Society marking of gold, silver-gilt, silver and bronze.

Three members of Orsett in Bloom will now travel to Perth, Scotland, to compete in the Britain in Bloom competition.

The other nominees are Brading, Broughshane, Cayton, Falkland, Lampeter, Market Bosworth, Tatsfield, Warksworth and Woolton.

David added: "We don't know if we will win. We are just delighted to be nominated"

When the team return, they will start the winter preparation of bulb planting and winter bedding, as their mind turns to a possible hat-trick in 2007.