WILFRED WRIGHT has green fingers - and he has the perfect patch to prove it. Because Mr Wright, 66, of Pant Road, Newport, is the winner of the city's best allotment competition.

The contest is run by Newport Allotment Assoc-iation and the judging panel had to draw up a shortlist of 11 plots. Final judging took place of seven plots. And the winners were:

First - Mr Wright, at Barrack Hill allotments Second - Tony Bramwell, of Preston Avenue, at Coed Melyn allotments Third - Rheinallt Evans, of Chepstow Road, at Market Garden allotments.

Mr Wright said: "I've entered for the last five years, but it's the first time I've won. I'm pleased, but quite surprised.

"Me and my wife spend a lot of time there and grow more or less everything, whatever we like to eat: cabbages, carrots, potatoes, beans, peas, sweetcorn."

A wide range of criteria are considered as part of the judging process, with particular attention paid to brassicas, root crops, onions, fruits, beans and peas, herbs, flowers and cultivation.

Trophies will be awarded for the top three plots, while 20 runners-up will receive certificates of achievement.

Councillor Glyn Jarvis, cabinet member for lifelong learning and leisure, said: "Having an allotment can be an extremely rewarding experience.

"A lot of hard work goes into maintaining a plot and the winning allotment gardeners of this year's competition have done a fantastic job.

"The quality of entrants across the board was of an extremely high standard - Newport has a great many keen gardeners."

Phil Berry, acting chairman of Newport Allotment Association, added: "These awards are a great way to recognise the excellent work of the allotment gardeners of Newport and their valuable contribution to the vibrancy of city life in Newport."

The awards ceremony will take place on October 18 at 7.30pm in the Riverside Suite at Newport Centre.