Prize-winning plant display was cannabis

JUDGES OF the "Glastonbury in Bloom" competition were so taken with the colourful display in the window of the "In Harmony With Nature" shop that they awarded the owner a prize for Best New Entry.

It was only after "Free Rob Cannabis" received his certificate that judges discovered the winning display contained 13 cannabis plants.

Mr Cannabis, who changed his name by deed poll last year from Robert Christopher, said: "I can't believe they didn't spot them. They have been in front of the shop in pots for two months. The council even send workers round each morning to water all these plants."

Judges visited Mr Cannabis' shopfront a handful of times before reaching a final decision last July. But last Saturday at the official awards ceremony in the town hall, they realised their error. As Mr Cannabis mingled with councillors, he disclosed he had been arrested a few days earlier by police for having the dope plants.

Alan Gloak, deputy mayor of Mendip District Council, said: "Rob's display was excellent, it was a real splash of colour.There was a great variety of plants. Unfortunately we didn't spot just how many varieties there were."

There were no plans to strip Mr Cannabis of his civic award. He has been bailed to appear at Yeovil police station.