THREE Newport gardeners are certainly not has-beans, after their award-winning allotments were again ranked best in the city.

Green-fingered Vincent Wilks, 67, came out on top, as the winners in the Newport Allotment Associations annual competition were awarded this week.

He was followed by last year's winner Glyn Banks, 59, who was the runner up and Frank Hill, 65, who finished third.

And it promises to be quite a party. Mr Wilks has had such a bumper crop of various berries in recent years he estimates he will have close to 100 gallons of homemade wine in storage.

All three gardeners live within walking distance of their plots at the St Julians Allotments at the Glebelands and saw off competition from more than 100 entries.

The men were ranked the top three gardeners in the city last year and the St Julians Allotments finished second in the Wales in Bloom category narrowly losing out to Abertillery.

And the three men said the secret of a keeping a good allotment was putting in a little effort every day.

"You really have to spend some time on your plot every day," said Mr Wilks. "Whether it is just an hour or two, there is always something that needs doing."

Mr Hill said: "To keep a reasonable allotment you need to come up at least an hour a day, and put in up to eight hours a week just to keep on top of it."

His prize winning crop included peas, onions and pears, strawberries, and plums.