A DESCENDANT of a former head gardener at Kew Gardens has won this year's Malmesbury in Bloom.

Philip Glover's display at Amanda's Bistro won the overall competition and was also judged to be the best commercial premises.

Green-fingered Mr Glover, 55, who owns the bistro, said he was shocked but delighted at his double cup win.

"I'm a keen gardener and I've got a big garden at home but this came as a wonderful surprise," he said.

"My great, great grandfather was the head gardener at Kew Gardens in London though, so there's a heritage of gardening in my family."

It is the first time Mr Glover has entered the competition since he took over Amanda's Bistro in Malmesbury's Oxford Street seven years ago.

"We change the baskets and the tubs four times a year to match with the seasons so the judge told us he was particularly impressed with our ongoing display," he added.

"The reaction we get from the customers when they go into the bistro's trade garden is 'Wow!'."

Both cups are now proudly on display in the front window of the bistro.

Mr Glover said he was going to fill both cups with Champagne to share with the staff over the weekend.

The full results of Malmesbury in Bloom 2014 are as follows: First place for the window boxes, hanging baskets and containers category went to Francesca Alden-Fenn with Rosemary McElroy in second and Mr G Selwyn in third place.

Category two, courtyard garden and patio, winner was June Berryman with Athelstan House and Townsend Court as second and third respectively.

The small garden cup winner was Jayne Diston with Mrs June Hicks in second place and Mr G Selwyn in third.

First place for the large garden category went to Janette Hinder with second and third going to Glovers Court and Mr and Mrs Trotman respectively.

The street/road area plaque was awarded to Townsend Court and commercial premises winner was Amanda’s Bistro, the three cups were in second place and Amano Tailors in the Cross Hayes were in third place.

Glovers Court won the wildflower area category and Oliver, Daisy and Leo Killane won the vegetable area cup, Athelstan House in second place and Jennifer Woodcock third place.

The winners of the photographic competition - Character of Malmesbury - have also been announced. Winner of the 17 years plus class was Allison Humphries, the under-12 winner was Charlie Ollis and first prize in the 12-17 year old category went to Matt Lait.