THE search for Hampshire's finest floral watering hole is finally over.

The Daily Echo's Pubs in Bloom winner is The Jolly Farmer in Fleet Road, Warsash.

Thirty of Hampshire's finest botanical boozers entered the competition to show off their beautiful blooms, stunning shrubs and lavish lawns.

After weeks of hanging baskets and flower boxes were featured brightening up the region's pubs, a panel of Daily Echo judges decided this year's winner.

Landlady of The Jolly Farmer, Cilla O'Grady, said she was absolutely delighted that the pub had won.

She said: "We never expected to win but we knew our flowers were great. It's nice to be told we are number one and that we have the best beer garden in Hampshire.

"Our certificate will be on the wall and taking pride of place. We are very pleased to have won and it's a wonderful feeling. Our regulars are quite impressed too. We will definitely be entering next year's competition now."

The Jolly Farmer will receive £100 of food vouchers from 3663 First for Foodservice, a trophy from Trophyman, a pair of engraved champagne glasses from the Glass Lady and a bottle of champagne from the Daily Echo.

In second place was The Cricketers in Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, and in joint-third were the Forest Inn in Ashurst, New Forest, and The Duke of Wellington, in Bugle Street, Southampton.

The runners-up will receive a certificate and every pub that entered will receive a colour photograph of their pub's entry photograph.