Excitement mounted throughout the summer in Liphook as sunflowers began to show their heads above hedges and fences.

Liphook in Bloom launched a sunflower competition back in May when a generous sponsor promised to donate £20 per foot to a Ukrainian charity in the name of the winner.

The competition was one of several activities this year to celebrate 25 years of Liphook in Bloom.

Over the weeks, competitors sent in photos of their sunflowers, together with the measurement, to the Liphook in Bloom website or Facebook page, which were then displayed on a leader board.

On Monday, judges Terry Burns and Roy Livsey visited the top three competitors to check the measurements.

In first place was Anne Govier whose sunflower measured 12ft 7in. Her sunflower self-seeded from last year’s planting.

Second place went to Gill Snedden at 12ft 3in, again self-seeded. In third was Diana Pont with 10ft 3.5in. Her sunflower was planted by her granddaughter.

The judges said they were much taller than anticipated and they had to get some taller steps!

“Everyone enjoyed taking part,” they added.