THE editor of a Tunbridge Wells council newsletter has apologised for a mistake she made in the quarterly newsletter sent out to residents. On a page celebrating the achievements of towns and villages in the recent South East In Bloom competition, it was announced that Paddock Wood had come third in the small town class. The town actually came first.

Now residents and members of the In Bloom committee are incensed. Town councillor and committee member Brian Mace said: "The whole town put in so much effort. Residents did what they could and all the businesses did something.

"I would have thought they would have checked their facts before printing it." He added: "I'm not doing this for personal reasons but for the town. We deserve a better deal. It's an insult to Paddock Wood."

Editor Diane Talbot said she could only apologise for the error. It was entirely my mistake," she said. "I will ensure that the correct details appear in the next issue.

"I would like to offer my congratulations to Paddock Wood on their success and say that I can understand why they aren't happy."

The next newsletter will be distributed in December.