Blooms win is a jewel in the crown

RAY and Sue Hicks from the Three Crowns, Scouthead

A SCOUTHEAD couple has scooped a top award in a green-fingered contest launched by a major pub company.

Landlord of The Three Crowns Inn and Restaurant, Ray Hicks and his wife Sue are regional winners in a 2016 Pubs in Bloom competition which ran across 17 divisions of pubs run by Enterprise.

Publicans had to submit images of outdoor displays that made the outside of their pub 'look exceptional.' And publicans across the country pulled out the stops for the pub company's 2016 Pubs in Bloom competition.

The Three Crowns Inn was a regional winner in the second year of the event which was entered by more than 300 pubs.

James Armitage, sales and marketing director of Enterprise Inns, said: "Each year, the standard of entries for Pubs in Bloom just keeps on getting better.

"Publicans across the estate have pulled out all the stops and put together some phenomenal displays.

"Making your pub's exterior 'look exceptional' is an integral part of attracting new visitors and encouraging return custom by creating fantastic spaces to sit and enjoy a drink.

"This doesn't happen overnight and our competition has been designed to recognise and reward green fingered publicans who have worked hard to give their pub kerb appeal and a wow factor.

"The divisional directors found this year's judging particularly challenging, which is testament to the outstanding level of entries."

Ray, who has been landlord of The Three Crowns for 38 years, said: "We are delighted the pub received this accolade. In fact, even though it's getting late in the year, we still have a great show of colourful blooms - much to the delight of customers."